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Soper's Mill

 
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Soper's Mill
Soper's Mill Access is part of the Skunk River Water Trail.   The water trail offers approximately 34 miles from Story City Park (below the dam in Story City) to C.J. Shreck Access (South of Cambridge).

Skunk River Water Trail Access Points (listed from north to south):

Story City Park #246 ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

Broad Street, Story City, 50248

Lekwa Access #242

56156 130th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.25 miles east of 560th on E-18)

Anderson Access #239

56743 150th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.1 miles west of Pleasant Valley Road on 150th Street)

Soper’s Mill Access #235

56364 170th Street, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of 170th and 563rd)

Peterson Park Access #233

17952 Templeton Road, Ames, 50010 (1.5 miles east of Highway 69 on 180th)

Sleepy Hollow Access #230

646 W. Riverside Road, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of Riverside Road and Highway 69)

River Valley Park Access #227  ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

725 East 13th Street, Ames, 50010

South 16th Street #224 ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

Ames

265th Street Access #220

56091 265th Street, Ames, 50010 (Near 560th Avenue)

Askew Bridge Access #217

57887 290th Street, Cambridge, 50046 (Intersection of 580th Avenue (R70) and 290th Street)

C.J. Shreck Access #212

59627 Highway 210, Cambridge, 50046 (South of Cambridge on Highway 210; north side of road)

 

For up-to-date information on water levels, view the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's website: River Gauges

 

Best float periods:

· April-July

· September-October

· When river is high

Hazards:

· Log jams are usual between Story City and Soper’s Mill

· There is a major log jam 0.5 miles below the Anderson Access which must be portaged

· Sharp turns and other obstacles are present in many sections

· Dam above Sleep Hollow/Riverside Road; portage on river right

· Dam at River Valley Park must be  portaged  

 

Water Trail - South Skunk River

Fishing Fishing at Soper's Mill

This water trail access is a public fishing area on the Skunk River featuring bullhead, buffalo, carp, channel catfish, & smallmouth bass.   

Iowa fishing regulations apply, for a listing of state rules/regulations please click here:  Iowa DNR - Fishing

Seek permission from landowners for access to private property.  Although the water is public, some of the land along the river is private property.  

Hunting Hunting at Soper's Mill

Soper's Mill is part of the Skunk River Greenbelt.  The Skunk River Greenbelt features 620 acres with deer, furbearers, and small game.  Some greenbelt properties are posted "No Hunting."  Other areas are easements and not available for public hunting.  Observe boundary signs.  Trapping is allowed in the public hunting areas.  No target shooting is allowed. Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed.

All state hunting laws apply.  Hunters must possess the proper license(s).  Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land.  For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918.  

Pets must be on leashes at all times.  Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.

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