Kishwaukee River

Last Updated: April 19, 2026

Total streamflow across the Kishwaukee River was last observed at 14,230 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 28,225 acre-ft of water today; about 341% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 4,178 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2013-04-20 when daily discharge volume was observed at 22,020 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Kishwaukee River Near Perryville reporting a streamflow rate of 8,760 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Kishwaukee River, with a gauge stage of 13.96 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Kishwaukee River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 740 ft, the Kishwaukee River At Belvidere.

The Kishwaukee River is a 63-mile-long river in northern Illinois that flows through Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, and DeKalb counties.


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-04-19
Discharge Volume 28,225 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 14,230.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: +2490.0 cfs (+21.21%)
Percent of Normal 340.61%
Maximum 22,020.0 cfs
2013-04-20
Seasonal Avg 4,178 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Kishwaukee River At Belvidere
USGS 05438500
5470 cfs 10.14 ft 40.98
Kishwaukee River Near Perryville
USGS 05440000
8760 cfs 13.96 ft 11.45
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Kishwaukee River, locally known as simply "The Kish", is a 63.4-mile-long (102.0 km) river in the U.S. state of Illinois.