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Pecatonica River — Darlington area: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Pecatonica River · Flatwater · Wisconsin

Current verdict

No runnable range yet

We don’t have a runnable range for this section yet — many of these are calm or dam-controlled reaches. Here’s the current gauge reading; check it (and, for tailwaters, the dam’s generation schedule) before you go.

265 cfs/ 3.6 ft gauge
Estimated range

USGS gauge 05432500 · updated Jul 9, 8:00 AM UTC

7-day flow trend

4572542026-07-022026-07-08
Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty
Flatwater
Length
Float time
Best months
May–October
Put-in
Darlington landing
Take-out
Downstream Pecatonica landing

Reading USGS gauge 05432500 — PECATONICA RIVER AT DARLINGTON, WI · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Pecatonica River — Darlington area?

We don't yet have a published runnable range for this section, so we can't give a firm number. Check the live USGS gauge and ask a local outfitter before you go.

How do I check Pecatonica River levels?

We read USGS gauge 05432500 — 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 Pecatonica River — Darlington area 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 Pecatonica 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.

Nearby sections

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