Rat, Wisconsin, US

Partridge Lane to Harper Rd (3.3 miles)

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
Peshtigo Paddlers' Gage
virtual-7902	10 - 20 inches	II-III(IV)	04h30m	~ 4.56 inches (rc= -0.6 )
	Probably too low for fun on this run. (Uncertain. We need your input. Add a comment or report.) Virtual paddler's gauge for Peshtigo River is being included to provide additional water data. Expect flows on Rat to be ~0.20*Pesh, ~0.33*Pike.
PIKE RIVER AT AMBERG, WI
usgs-04066500	3.40 - 5.00 ft	I-II	00h59m	~ 2.78 ft (rc= -0.3 )
	Likely too low. Reference gauge is the Pike, which may mirror flow for the Rat (potentially better than the Peshtigo gauge). On-site inspection needed to verify actual flow.

River Description

This Peshtigo tributary is located close to the put-in for the popular "Roaring Rapids" section, so could make a good 'creeky' companion piece for that run.

The listed put-in, Partridge Lane, has reverted to a private road at the request of local property owners. All property near this point on both sides of the river is privately held so please do not attempt to access the river here without appropriate permission. As of this time, the closest known public access is seven miles upstream at the Valley Lake Rd bridge. This distance is reportedly a pretty paddle but is quietwater.

There are three sections of gradient featuring continous whitewater through several definable drops each.

The first of these probably rates a III+ at low to moderate flows and would easily push into IV or higher range when cranked. The river drops 51' in 1/3 mile here starting with a fast technical maze through some big boulders then feeding into a fast flume around an island. At the present there are several trees blocking all or part of the river and a pair of low footbridges at the island so caution is advised.

The second portion of gradient runs II-II+ and was somewhat reminiscent of the "Dells" rapid on the Upper Pesh.

The third portion runs class II-III with more technical boating and one ledge of about 3-4' that creates a fairly big hole that will wake you up.

The sections of gradient are separated by moving water with some riffles and a fair-sized beaver dam with a runnable notch. The final mile down to Harper Rd is quietwater.