The Kettle River is an 83.6-mile tributary to the St. Croix River in eastern Minnesota, renowned as one of the best whitewater rivers in the Midwest while also offering exceptional fishing opportunities. Originating in small, slow-flowing bog streams near Cromwell in Carlton County, the river becomes suitable for gamefish habitat from river mile 62 downstream. Throughout its course, the Kettle's waters display a distinctive amber tint from natural tannins released by surrounding wetlands. The river flows through dense forests of black spruce, fir, birch, aspen, maple, ash, elm, and scattered pine species, with occasional bluffs rising more than 100 feet above the water. The Kettle River is designated as a wild and scenic river and ranges in width from 30 to 250 feet. With an average fall of 6.1 feet per mile, the river features dramatic depth variations, with some pools reaching over 100 feet, supporting diverse aquatic life including the ancient sturgeon.