THE EMBARRASS.

Embarrass is French for "logjam", and on some of the many branches of this river, you will no doubt encounter some. This river system allows for just about every type of river experience at some point. I have paddled the narrow upper stretches on the North branch, and I've also paddled the wide and slow lower reaches.

The North branch from just below Tilleda down to Pella makes for a good day's paddle, but if water levels are low, it could be a pretty arduous day. Downstream from the put-in, the river is very narrow as it meanders through fields and meadows. There is one very short rocky drop that you may have to portage. There may also be barbed wire or electric fences on some farms.

Below the dam at Leopolis, the river gets rocky. Smallmouth bass were observed in this stretch. Trout are probably more common above the dam. The flat water of the Pella flowage signals the end of the rocks. The Middle branch joins the North branch here, too. Just upstream, the Middle branch is dammed at Hayman falls, a very pretty county park. It's hard to find from the road, but a good map will get you there. It's worth checking out.

The lower, slower reaches can make for a pleasant paddle, especially in the fall when the trees are turning. My wife and I put in below the town of Embarrass and paddled five or six miles downstream on a summer Saturday and only saw one other canoe. These people launched their canoe, but decided that the deer flies were too much and quit.

The river meanders through woody bottoms and farms. I was expecting to have to lift over a tree or two, but there turned out to be none of these obstacles. I managed to hook a little smallmouth, and no doubt there are plenty of suckers, sheephead, northern, and a catfish or two in these waters.