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Picture

Kishwaukee River

The Kishwaukee River features a gradient between 3-6 feet per mile. The river flows between 2 and 6 MPH, spiking in spots with an average of 2.5 MPH. It has separate north and south branches, which merge in Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve (by Rt. 39). The northern branch passes through Belvidere, heading west to the Rock River. The southern branch begins in Sycamore area.

The Kishwaukee river ends when it merges into the Rock river, south of Rockford. 

The Kishwaukee is often too small for power boats, but well suited for canoes and kayaks. It greatly depends on amount of deadfall and water level. Please check this river closely before attempting a trip. High water is especially dangerous through the Cherry Valley area. 
kishwaukee_north.pdf
File Size: 184 kb
File Type: pdf
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kishwaukee_south.pdf
File Size: 183 kb
File Type: pdf
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kishwaukee_post-merge.pdf
File Size: 339 kb
File Type: pdf
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kishwaukee_river_put_ins.gpx
File Size: 3 kb
File Type: gpx
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Trip Reports

North Kish-merge-Rock

Dams and Portaging

Camp Epworth
Garden Prairie (Epworth Rd), IL

Downstream (west) of Garden Prairie Road bridge. 

Low Head dam with 3 upright concrete pillars (old bridge supports?)

Belivdere Park Dam

Belvidere, IL

Good sized dam with lots of sharp rocks. Do not attempt to shoot this dam. Portage to the left/south side. 

Depth Charts

USGS Water-data graph for site 05438500
USGS Water-data graph for site 05439000
USGS Water-data graph for site 05440000
All maps and information are for research purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. Do your own research before embarking.