SMALLMOUTH HUNTER
Terry Dodge | Owner
Blinded Veteran | USMC/BVA/NBVO
Terry Dodge
Terry Dodge
The information provided here is of my own opinion with the beginner wade fisherman in mind. At about the 6.30ft. mark and above, stormwater runoff (muddiness), becomes a bigger issue. So with that being said...
For the wade fishing Smallmouth Angler;
At 6.30ft. up to 7.20ft., you are gonna struggle your ass off to find a bite.
Wading areas are also restricted at these levels due to the higher levels and flow rate. Clarity is poor. Very poor above 7.20ft.
Kishwaukee River Level Guide
I wade all north/main/south branches in Winnebago Co.
Below you will find two charts, one for wading, and one for floating.
I use the PRY12 Gage as my main gage and have adjusted these cautions to the condition the river flows at these levels.
Caution should always be exercised no matter the level. These levels and their cautions are of my own opinion. Keep in mind that I have been wading the Kish for 45+ years. BE SAFE!
Note: The Kish receives a lot of agriculture runoff and flows with a pretty heavy stain beginning
around the 6.50ft. mark on the gage and worsens as levels rise. Difficult fishing.
~ Terry
BE SAFE! KNOW THE LEVELS.
(NF = normal flow)
PRY12, (NF- 5.75ft) - Located on the main branch in Winnebago Co. (CherryValley/Rockford)
Fairdale, (NF- 2.35ft.) - Located on the south branch in DeKalb Co. (Sycamore)
BVD12, (NF- 1.26ft) - Located on the north branch in Boone Co. (Belvidere)
Wading Fishing:
5.75ft to 6.00ft = Safe 6.01ft to 6.29ft = Caution
6.30ft to 7.20ft Extreme Caution
7.21 and higher = Dangerous
Floating:
6.00ft and below = Low Water Caution
6.01ft to 7.50ft = Safe
7.51ft to 7.99ft = Extreme Caution
8.00ft and higher = Dangerous
Kishwaukee River
SMH TIP
1
When wading up stream through a swift to strong current, turn your body sideways to make a smaller profile and sidestep your way up to calmer water.
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2
It is best to wade upstream when waters run clear. Fish face upstream, as that is where the food comes from. By wading upstream you will approach the fish from behind lessening your chance of spooking the fish.
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