Upper Patoka

The navigable water extends from St. Rd. 37 downstream (west) to the Patoka Reservoir Dam.
However, west of St. Rd. 45 the lake becomes too big to comfortably navigate with paddle craft.

Between St. Rd. 37 and the Grimes Lake Landing the Patoka River is actually a river.

Downstream of Grimes Lake Landing the Patoka Reservoir backwaters change the
character of the Patoka River from a stream to a lake with the current changing from subtle to not
detectable as you proceed downstream. However, the reservoir backwater area is an
outstanding fishery. Just upstream of Grimes Lake Landing a log jam must be negotiated. The
log jam, around Grimes Lake Landing, at the Ethyl Road Bridge, Dumplin Branch, and all the
feeder streams coming into the river are excellent fishing. Standing timber is everywhere and
where the timber is adjacent to channels and ditches are the best locations to fish.

In warmer weather, from Walls Lake Landing on down is also very good swimming water.

Plan on taking a full day as there is so much to see and do along the way.