Nippersink Creek (State of Illinois, U.S.A.)

We are not responsible for errors or omissions. When boating, regardless of water depth, wear a PFD!

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Creek History
Recent Updates
General Info
Pictures from the Creek
Creek Maps
Creek Access
Trip Reports
Water Quality
Fish Information

Home	Fishing	Sailing	Canoeing	Rowing	Printing
Please e-mail suggestion/comments to: jwn@chicagopaddling.com

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Creek History

The Nippersink Creek Canoe Trail offers a nice quiet day trip for canoers. Please remember that much of the canoe trail goes through private property, only put in/take out of the creek at the sites listed below. Much of the area between Solon Mills and Spring Grove is industrial in nature.

Recent Updates

thomasjcarl@chicago.avenew.com writes:
June 3, 2000: Went from Pioneer Landing to the Nippersink canoe base today. I give the ride 5-paddles!!! No question, the water is the highest of the year. No one should paddle the creek if they consider themselves novice or beginner. You don't have to be an expert, but experience in fast water with lots of obstructions is a must. Be especially careful at the farmers bridge just east of Rte. 12. It is almost impossible to go under it - I did, but barely!!!!!

thomasjcarl@chicago.avenew.com writes:
Just got back from a trip down the Nippersink Creek. Started at the Keystone canoe base and went to Spring Grove. The trip was approximately 4 hours. The creek is still moving fast but very easy navigation. A few deadfalls but all can be passed without difficulty. The wire across the creek at Rte. 12 can be crossed with ease.

I'm sure the creek will slow without heavy rain - but, it's great right now!!!

General Information

The McHenry County Conservation District Nippersink Canoe Trail sheet has the following tips listed:

• If the water is high, watch for submerged logs.
• Watch for cross fences and submerged wires; lift them with wooden paddles in case they are electrified (I chose to simply float over them instead... but I have a roto-molded boat, if you have a metal boat, I'd be careful)

• Keystone Landing to Campground (1 hour)
• Campground to Pioneer Landing (1 hour, 15 minutes)
• Pioneer Landing to Lyle C. Thomas Memorial Park (1 hour, 45 minutes)
• Lyle C. Thomas Memorial Park to Nippersink Canoe Base (1 hour, 45 minutes)

• Keystone Landing
  • Parking
  • Sanitary Facilities (pit toilets)
  • Drinking Water
  • Fishing (make sure you have an up to date fishing license)
  • Picnic Areas
• Campground
  • Sanitary Facilities
  • Shelter
  • Camping (by permit only)
• Pioneer Landing
  • Parking
  • Sanitary Facilities
  • Drinking Water
  • Fishing (make sure you have an up to date fishing license)
  • Picnic Areas
• Lyle Thomas Memorial Park
  • Parking
  • Sanitary Facilities
  • Fishing (make sure you have an up to date fishing license)
  • Picnic Areas
• Nippersink Canoe Base
  • Parking
  • Sanitary Facilities (pit toilets)
  • Drinking Water
  • Fishing (make sure you have an up to date fishing license)
  • Campfires (Please use caution)

Creek Access

Boating information:

• Private non-motorized boats permitted
• Canoe rentals available

Creek Pictures

Creek Access and Fishing Maps

Creek Access Map

Area Map

Home	Fishing	Sailing	Canoeing	Rowing	Printing
Please e-mail suggestion/comments to: jwn@ripco.com

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Fish Information

Fish in this river include:

• Largemouth Bass
• Bluegill
• Bullhead Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Carp
• Crappie
• Green Sunfish

thomasjcarl@chicago.avenew.com writes:
June 3, 2000: Went from Pioneer Landing to the Nippersink canoe base today. I give the ride 5-paddles!!! No question, the water is the highest of the year. No one should paddle the creek if they consider themselves novice or beginner. You don't have to be an expert, but experience in fast water with lots of obstructions is a must. Be especially careful at the farmers bridge just east of Rte. 12. It is almost impossible to go under it - I did, but barely!!!!!

thomasjcarl@chicago.avenew.com writes:

I was on the Nip last weekend between the Keystone Road base and Pioneer Road. We did not need to do much canoe work since the water level was up a bit. No deadfall problems and the creek was running fine. Not a lot of color in the trees, but a nice run. With the rain Friday night, it may still be a good run. Hope to run the Pioneer landing to the Canoe base on route 12.

jwn@ripco.com writes:

I was out on the Creek on 10/4. Between Lyle Park and the Canoebase it gets too shallow to paddle, you'll have to pull your boat for a bit. There is a deadfall in the creek, we were able to break off enough of it go get by on the inside end of it. The creek was nice and clean, and didn't have a very strong current. Made for a comfortable time paddling around. My daughter was very impressed with all the ducks.

Water Quality

Sewage Discharge into the Nippersink (Based on 7 year, 0 day low reports from Illinois EPA)

Nippersink Creek Water Quality Information (Illinois EPA)