Class I Kishwaukee River, IL

Illinois Fishing River (Cherry Valley to Rock River)

The Kishwaukee River Basin covers an area of approximately 1,218 square miles, spanning seven counties in northern Illinois, including parts of Boone, McHenry, Kane, DeKalb, Ogle, and small parts of Lee and Winnebago counties. The mainstem of the river empties into the Rock River about 3 miles south of Rockford, Illinois. It is formed by two branches which unite just south and west of Cherry Valley, IL. The North Branch arises in east-central McHenry County and flows to the west to near Rockford, where it turns south before uniting with the South Branch. The South Branch has its origin on a moraine just north of Shabbona. It flows northeasterly to the village of Genoa, where it turns to the northwest before uniting with the North Branch The two branches thus united, then flow only a short distance before emptying into the Rock River. Note that the Kishwaukee is NOT public, so it can only be accessed in areas where the landowner allows public access. In addition, there are many areas on the Kishwaukee that are owned by park districts and/or conservation districts. These entities DO allow boating, canoeing, and fishing on their portion of property. However, you need to be careful of where their boundary ends to avoid trespassing on private property where the owner does not allow the public. (Illinois DNR)

Section Details

Trip Length Multiday, 85.0 Miles
Fishing No
Camping No
Manager State, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Wild & Scenic No
Water Trail No
Partner Information https://www.ifishillinois.org/profiles/Kishwaukee.php