Bertom Lake

Bertom Lake Boat Ramp is a public access point located in Cassville, Wisconsin, providing launch access to the Mississippi River within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The site offers paddlers and boaters entry to Pool 10 of the Upper Mississippi, a scenic section of the river that flows between Lynxville, Wisconsin and Gutenberg, Iowa. This access point is well-suited for kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats seeking to explore the refuge waters and adjacent river habitat.

The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with substantial flow (averaging over 685,000 cubic feet per second) and moderate current (11.2 feet per second average velocity). Paddlers should be prepared for main-channel currents and plan their trips accordingly. The river's relatively gentle gradient (0.8 feet per mile) makes it generally navigable, though conditions can vary with seasonal water levels and weather. The Upper Mississippi River Valley offers excellent fishing opportunities and wildlife viewing throughout the refuge.

For specific information about ramp conditions, accessibility features, amenities, and any associated fees, contact the Wisconsin DNR or the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge directly. Paddlers should check current water conditions and weather forecasts before launching, as this is an active, moving waterway with regular barge traffic.