Manitowoc River — Lower (to Manitowoc): Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Manitowoc River · Class II · Wisconsin
Current verdict
Too low to paddle
Not enough water to float well — expect scraping and walking. Wait for rain or a dam release.
USGS gauge 04085427 · updated Jul 9, 8:00 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Class II
- Length
- —
- Float time
- —
- Best months
- May–October
- Put-in
- Clarks Mills / Rockwood area
- Take-out
- Manitowoc
Reading USGS gauge 04085427 — MANITOWOC RIVER AT MANITOWOC, WI ↗
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Manitowoc River — Lower (to Manitowoc)?
This section is generally runnable at 150–500 cfs. 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 Manitowoc River levels?
We read USGS gauge 04085427 — 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 Manitowoc River — Lower (to Manitowoc) good for beginners?
This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Manitowoc River here?
Typically May–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.