Mile 61.0 - Miles 61-55: LBD Picayune Chute

61 - 55 LBD Picayune Chute

Warning: Two dangerous blockages to negotiate: 1) a lowhead dam at McClure and 2) a tall dike near bottom end. No passage below 16 CGG. A low water bridge/dam at McClure creates 3 foot hydraulic keeper waterfall at 17 CGG. Picayune Chute is best paddled above 25CGG, but be prepared for turbulence at these two locations.

Probably the longest back channel on the Middle Miss, Picayune Chute meanders eight miles through the bottomland floodplain and forests, offering paddlers excellent opportunities for birding and animal watching. Best paddled in medium or high water levels, above 25CGG. Enter off the main channel near mile 61 left bank descending on the Illinois side. The entrance is opposite Windy Bar Conservation Area. After eight miles Picayune Chute opens up at Minton Point Bar, a large sandbar with high bluffs on the downstream side LBD, affording great year-round camping. Bald eagle habitat.