Maquoketa River — Monmouth to Maquoketa: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Maquoketa River · Flatwater · Iowa
Current verdict
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.
USGS gauge 05418500 · updated Jul 9, 8:15 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Flatwater
- Length
- 12 mi
- Float time
- ~5 hr
- Best months
- May–September
- Put-in
- Monmouth
- Take-out
- Maquoketa
Reading USGS gauge 05418500 — Maquoketa River near Maquoketa, IA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Maquoketa River — Monmouth to Maquoketa?
This section is generally runnable at 200–2,500 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 Maquoketa River levels?
We read USGS gauge 05418500 — 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 Maquoketa River — Monmouth to Maquoketa 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 Maquoketa River here?
Typically May–September, 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 Maquoketa River — Monmouth to Maquoketa?
This reach is about 12 miles, roughly 5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.