Big Slough

Big Slough offers a convenient public boat launch on the Mississippi River in De Soto, Crawford County, near the mouth of Neenah Creek. The ramp is well-maintained with established facilities and ample parking, making it an accessible entry point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats exploring this section of the Upper Mississippi River Valley.

The Mississippi River here is a major waterway with significant current and volume—averaging over 685,000 cubic feet of flow per second with a velocity around 11 feet per second. This is Pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi River Navigation System, located between Genoa and Lynxville, WI. Paddlers should be prepared for a large, powerful river with moderate currents and be aware of commercial barge traffic. The area offers opportunities for exploring scenic sloughs and backwaters, sandbars, and nearby recreation areas managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Check current water conditions and safety advisories before launching, and consult navigation maps for the best routes through the lock and dam system.