What water level is good for paddling Des Moines River — Keosauqua to Bonaparte?

This section is generally runnable at 800–15,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Des Moines River levels?

We read USGS gauge 05490500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Des Moines River — Keosauqua to Bonaparte good for beginners?

This is a flatwater section — no rapids under normal levels — so it's beginner-friendly when the gauge is in range. High water changes everything: cold, fast water is dangerous for anyone.

When is the best time to paddle Des Moines River here?

Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Des Moines River — Keosauqua to Bonaparte?

This reach is about 11 miles, roughly 4 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Des Moines River — Keosauqua to Bonaparte: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Flatwater11 mi · ~4 hrDes Moines RiverIowa

Verdict · updated Oct 18, 8:15 AM UTC

High — use caution

Flows are above the comfortable range. Expect strong current, pushy water, cold temperatures and fewer places to stop. Experienced paddlers only — many should wait.

Estimated range

22,500 cfs

16.5 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 05490500

Runnable 800 – 15,000 cfs

080015,00023,625

What this means today

At 22,500 cfs the Des Moines River is 7,500 cfs above the 15,000 cfs ceiling for this reach, so it is running higher and faster than the range this section is graded for.

Over the last 24 hours it has barely moved, 22,900 cfs to 22,500 cfs. Daily means over the past 7 days have run between 22,700 cfs and 25,900 cfs, 12% lower at the end of the week than the start.

Paddling Keosauqua to Bonaparte

Des Moines River at Keosauqua to Bonaparte is a 11-mile Flatwater float in Iowa — no rapids under normal flows, just moving water and the odd riffle. Most paddlers put in at Keosauqua and take out at Bonaparte, a trip that runs about 4 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 800–15,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Des Moines River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 05490500 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable April–October. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Flatwater
Length: 11 mi
Float time: ~4 hr
Best months: April–October
Put-in: Keosauqua
Take-out: Bonaparte

Reading USGS gauge 05490500 — Des Moines River at Keosauqua, IA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Des Moines River — Keosauqua to Bonaparte?: This section is generally runnable at 800–15,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Des Moines River levels?: We read USGS gauge 05490500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Des Moines River — Keosauqua to Bonaparte good for beginners?: This is a flatwater section — no rapids under normal levels — so it's beginner-friendly when the gauge is in range. High water changes everything: cold, fast water is dangerous for anyone.
When is the best time to paddle Des Moines River here?: Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Des Moines River — Keosauqua to Bonaparte?: This reach is about 11 miles, roughly 4 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 1,050 cfs