Boat Launch

Pecatonica River -- Highway 78 Landing boat launch

Wisconsin, USA 42.598°, -90.001°
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Pecatonica River -- Highway 78 Landing -- Wisconsin boat launch
Pecatonica River -- Highway 78 Landing Wisconsin
About this launch

Pecatonica River -- Highway 78 Landing

The Pecatonica River - Highway 78 Landing boat ramp is located in southwestern Wisconsin, in Lafayette County, near the town of Gratiot. It provides access to the Pecatonica River, which is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and other recreational activities.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Pecatonica River - Highway 78 Landing boat ramp is a concrete ramp with a gravel parking lot, and it is suitable for launching small boats, canoes, and kayaks. The ramp is 16 feet wide, and it can accommodate a variety of watercraft, including flat-bottomed boats, pontoon boats, and jet skis. However, larger boats may have difficulty navigating the narrow river channel, especially during periods of low water flow.

The Pecatonica River - Highway 78 Landing boat ramp is located on the west bank of the river, just south of Highway 78. It is a public access point, and there is no fee to use the ramp. However, visitors are required to have a valid Wisconsin boat registration or non-resident boating certificate, as well as any required safety equipment, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers.

Overall, the Pecatonica River - Highway 78 Landing boat ramp is a convenient and popular access point to the beautiful and scenic Pecatonica River in Lafayette County, Wisconsin. It is well-maintained and suitable for a variety of small watercraft, making it a great spot for fishing, paddling, and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
StateWisconsin
Latitude42.5985°
Longitude-90.0009°
Detailed forecast

Plan your launch down to the hour

Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.

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Live water

Area streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Pecatonica River -- Highway 78 Landing -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.

Boating safety & etiquette

Check the conditions before you launch
Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Wear your life jacket
Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
File a float plan
Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
Yield at the ramp
Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
Clean, drain, dry
Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Set push alerts in the Snoflo app

Save Pecatonica River -- Highway 78 Landing as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.

FAQ

About Pecatonica River -- Highway 78 Landing

Can I launch a motorboat here?

Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.

How fresh is the streamflow data?

USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.

Is there a fee?

Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.

What boat is right for these conditions?

Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.

Can I get alerts when conditions change?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.