Big Bureau Creek
The Creek
The Big Bureau Creek, often referred to as "The Mighty Bureau", is a pristine rivulet that runs from approximately 4 miles south of Mendota all the way down to Goose Lake through the heartland of Bureau County. This stream is well known not only throughout Bureau County, but also nationwide. The name given has a few possible origins. The first, and most appealing, derives from the ancient Native American chief Bureau, who according to local folklore lived at the mouth amongst his tribe. The second, is that a ranking navel officer, Captain Robinson, mistakenly paddled up the creek with his men sometime in the early 1800's. When they reached the source, and realized that there was no way out but back the way they came, he proceeded in naming the creek Bureau after Pierre de Beuro, a Frenchman who had already established a trading post near the mouth. The chief's name, Bureau, could possibly be a variation of Pierre de Beuro, who's name was most likely altered throughout numerous retellings of the history of the beautiful watershed.
Fishing
Fish populations are stabile. Reportings of regularly caught 3-4 lbs. Smallmouth Bass and 10-20 lbs. Channel Catfish are no joke. A Princeton native, Ryan Devore, was accredited with landing an 8 lbs. bullhead. Though rough fish are a problem, game fish can be caught by locals who have experienced the ups and downs of this excellent fishery.
Camping
Camping is a tradition for the people of this sacred area. Most land surrounding the banks of the Big Bureau Creek is privately owned. However, the generosity of stakeholders has given camping opportunity to those in search of a comfortable riverside site to set up for the night.
Canoeing
Canoeing these waters is not only a sport, but also a tradition for only those who can truly call themselves men. There have been reports of class II and III rapids in high water. Townspeople will warn foreigners in search of an adventure that brush buildup, beaver dams, and submerged rocks are always a point of concern. Two of the most renowned paddlers of the area, Ben Schmidt and Tom Beneke, have made countless journeys atop their canoe which they prefer to call "The Metal Boat Company". Aboard this 15 foot piece of American history they have never bailed or lost equipment. It is men like this that give meaning to The Big Bureau Creek: an adventuresome stream that withholds the journey to finding Mother Nature in her finest form.
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Hope for the Future
Currently, there is an effort underway to maintain this watershed. Because of its vitality to surrounding lakes, the Illinois River, and of course the Mississippi River, a small group of environmentalists is highly concerned. Nitrogen levels from surrounding farmland, sedimentation, and low water levels are the main problems to be assessed. With community involvement it is projected to be a successful venture.
