Chippewa River
Mecosta / Isabella Co. · 90 mi · Class Riffles
807CFS/ 5.11 ft
Above Optimal
→Stable
Optimal: 150–600 CFS · USGS #04154000
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
90 mi
Length
Class Riffles
Difficulty
150–600 cfs
Optimal
340 cfs
Avg Flow
306 cfs
Hist. Median
#04154000
USGS Gauge
None

Flowing through the Mt. Pleasant area and Central Michigan University's hometown, the Chippewa is a gentle central LP paddle with good smallmouth bass fishing and easy access from mid-Michigan communities. The 90-mile river begins as a narrow, wooded stream in Mecosta County before broadening through Mt. Pleasant and on to Midland.

Trip sections
Upper — Mecosta County headwaters, narrow and wooded
Lower — Mt. Pleasant to Midland, wider and gentler
Outfitters
Chippewa River Outfitters
Canoe and kayak rentals near Mt. Pleasant
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.