ILLINOIS FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

As we head into the season of river recreation in Illinois, a survey of the state's streamflow data presents a dynamic picture for water enthusiasts. Notably, the Wabash River at Mt. Carmel reports a substantial flow of 10,800 cubic feet per second (cfs), although this represents a significant deviation from normal levels, which could affect recreational activities. Conversely, the Kaskaskia River at Chesterville is flowing at 436 cfs, a rare instance of normalcy amid a statewide trend of lower-than-average streamflows. The Illinois River, critical for its size and recreational importance, shows diminished streamflow at several points, with the reading at Henry at 9,370 cfs, indicating potential disruptions to activities in nearby communities.

Diving deeper, the Rock River demonstrates fluctuating conditions across multiple locations, with a notable increase at Como of 55.4 cfs in the last 24 hours, reaching a flow of 5,610 cfs, while at Rockton, a slight dip is observed. This variability could signal changing conditions for paddlers and anglers, especially for those frequenting the popular whitewater trails near the Rock River Valley. Areas like the Sangamon River basin are experiencing flow droughts, with gauges at Riverton and Oakford showing significant decreases, 27.66 cfs and 12.54 cfs respectively, which might be indicative of broader environmental concerns. For urban waterways, Du Page River at Shorewood and the Des Plaines River near Riverside show depressed flows, potentially affecting nearby populous communities. As these trends continue, residents and visitors alike are advised to stay informed on current conditions, particularly when planning for river-based recreation or concerns regarding flooding or lower-than-normal water levels.