Brule, Michigan, US/Wisconsin, US

B) Brule R. Dam to Ryneers Rd. (3.4 miles)

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
MENOMINEE RIVER NEAR FLORENCE, WI
usgs-04063000	500 - 4000 cfs	II	00h50m	1570 cfs (rc= 0.6 )
	Probably moderate flows. (Unconfirmed. We need your input. Add a comment or report regarding best flows.) Gauge (1760 sq.mi. drainage) lies downstream of major trib, and upstream of the rapids on this reach, thus very accurately reflects flow for that rapids.

River Description

The main reason to do this reach is Big Bull Rapids. As the river encounters some islands, rapids reportedly lie on each side of the island. The left channel carries the majority of the flow, and has large waves and some large rocks. The right channel is characterized as having tight turns and being likely to be brush-filled, thus a less likely route (at least by old canoe guide descriptions).

We do not currently have information as to whether these rapids (either side) contain sufficient interest or potential for whitewater playboaters to merit the flatwater access and egress which appear to be necessary.

Resolution on satellite view is excellent. We highly recommend going to the 'Maps' tab, clicking 'Satellite', and zooming-in on the islands at Big Bull Rapids to have a look.

As reported by Brendan Hammond (2010-10-23)

Ran this stretch a few years ago, no real whitewater whatsoever.
However, way up on the headwaters of the Brule, where Brule Creek flows into Elvoy Creek there is a short section where Brule Creek drops 20'+. There was a hydropower plant and dam at one time there. Some of the penstock is still visible. These creeks start in springs and are largely groundwater-fed. This fact, along with the amount of wood in the larger drops, and the small drainage area, probably makes it a no go.

For what it's worth, it appears drainage at that location is on the order of 33 square miles. In theory, that could be enough to make runnable flows at least a good handful of times a year. However, the nearest downstream gauge (at Hwy.2 near Florence) has 366 sq.mi. drainage, and has a "10$ flow" of only 539 cfs. Assuming proportional contribution across the watershed (not necessarily valid), this implies flow up at the Brule Creek/Elvoy Creek area would be less than 54 cfs 90% of the time (>328 days per year).