Water Trails

Boating and fishing along the Great Miami River Watershed Water Trails can be like going back in time to a simpler way of life. Paddle down the waterways of the Great Miami, Mad and Stillwater rivers and soak in the beauty of tree-canopied sections of river, blue heron, and the occasional small mouth bass leaping out of the water. Catch a glimpse of a deer and its fawn. Enjoy the soft splash as your paddle cuts through the water. You’ll be close to civilization but feel as if you’re miles from anywhere as you paddle by streamside forests

These rivers, along with their smaller tributaries and two lakes, offer more than 300 accessible miles for recreational boaters to enjoy. Much of the water quality of these waterways ranks high and includes the Twin Creek – the second healthiest stream segment in all of Ohio. The Mad River, one of Ohio’s only coldwater fisheries to support brown trout, is well known as a popular fishing and canoe and kayak destination. The scenic beauty of the Stillwater River attracts paddlers and fishermen from all over the country.

 

About three million Ohioans participate in boating each year (about 50 percent of the time on water is spent fishing), and the sport supports 19,500 jobs and contributes $1.4 billion annually to the state’s economy, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

There are now more than 50,000 canoes and kayaks registered in the State of Ohio. The growth rate in registration of Ohio canoes and kayaks has been more than 12 times higher than the growth of total boat registrations during the last five years
(source: ODNR).

Low dams
MCD built six low dams at the request of communities, creating a pool of water upstream of the dam for recreation including boating and fishing. Of the six low dams owned by MCD, only Two Mile Dam in Hamilton was built as part of the flood protection system.

Low dams, however, can be deceptively calm and incredibly dangerous. Low dams may range from a 25-foot drop-off to a mere 6-inch drop-off. MCD dams range from 5 to 9 feet. Water flowing over the dam forms currents that can trap objects as well as boaters.

Low dam safety tips

• Know the location of all low dams and waterfalls on the river you plan to boat.
• Never attempt to boat over a dam or waterfall.
• Carry your boat around the low dam and launch at a safe distance, well downstream of the backwash of the low dam, which can pull you back into the dam.
• Watch for a smooth line connecting the banks. This may be the top of a low dam.
• Listen for the splashing sounds of turbulence and the dangerous currents at dams.
• Scout the river and know the location of all river hazards – not just low dams.
• Boat with experienced, responsible boaters and learn from them.
• Look for concrete retaining walls, which some dams have at each bank, making the dams easier to spot.
• Unless you are trained in low-dam rescues, never enter the water in an attempt to rescue someone trapped by the low dam. Immediately call for help; then, throw a line from shore to the trapped person.
  

Surviving a low dam
It is nearly impossible to escape the force of a low dam’s currents. When trapped, your best hope for survival is to tuck your chin down, draw your knees to your chest and wrap your arms around your knees. With luck, the current will push you beyond the backwash and release you into the river.

Funding

The cities of Hamilton, West Carrollton, Moraine and Dayton each pay an assessment for MCD to maintain the low dams. For the location os these and other low dams on the Great Miami  River, download the Great Miami River Recreation map at right.

Safe boating

There are many good locations to paddle, row and boat in the Great
Miami River Watershed. To help boaters use the rivers and streams safely, the Miami Conservancy District has produced three Play It Safe! maps for the Great Miami, Mad and Stillwater rivers. (Request or download the maps at right.)

The maps feature:

• Public access points along the rivers.
• Amenities at each of the public access points.
• Locations of low dams.
• Safety information including river hazards, hypothermia, boating etiquette and more.

For additional information on boating in the Great Miami River Watershed, download our maps at right or contact ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources), the Dayton Canoe Club and the Greater Dayton Rowing Association.

Fishing
Great fishing abounds in the Great Miami River Watershed. In fact, the Mad River is one of the best trout streams in the state.

For additional information on fishing in the Great Miami River Watershed, contact ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources).

A Guide to Ohio Streams is available at:
www.dnr.state.oh.us/streams/default.htm

Low-impact ethics

To ensure that our rivers are clean for everyone to enjoy, it's important to remember to "leave it as you found it." So be sure to follow these guidelines.

Displose of litter properly — pack it out

• Repackage food to minimize waste.
• Never throw any garbage into the water.
• Plastics are dangerous to wildlife — baggies sixpack rings and other clear pastics float on the water.

Display courtesy and respect to riverfront landowners

• Many access points are located on public property, but most of the shoreline — and river bottom are privately owned.
• Many landowners enjoy the stream's peace and solitude from their property. Share the same courtesy that you would want.

Leave what you find

• Leave artifcats and natural objects undisturbed.
• Avoid introducing non-native species, including live bait, by cleaning equipment between trips.

Respect wildlife

• Never feed wildlife. It damages their health, alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Protect wildlife by storing food and trash securely.
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times -- mating, nesting or when food is scarce.

For more information, go to Leave No Trace, the Center for Outdoor Ethics at www.lnt.org.