Oconto River

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Total streamflow across the Oconto River was last observed at 1,534 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 3,043 acre-ft of water today; about 66% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,337 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-04-20 when daily discharge volume was observed at 11,130 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Oconto River Near Oconto reporting a streamflow rate of 770 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Oconto River, with a gauge stage of 5.09 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Oconto River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 741 ft, the Oconto River Near Gillett.

The Oconto River is located in northeastern Wisconsin and flows for approximately 56 miles before emptying into Green Bay.


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-05-09
Discharge Volume 3,043 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,534.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -262.0 cfs (-14.59%)
Percent of Normal 65.64%
Maximum 11,130.0 cfs
2019-04-20
Seasonal Avg 2,337 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Oconto River Near Gillett
USGS 04071000
764 cfs 2.1 ft -4.02
Oconto River Near Oconto
USGS 04071765
770 cfs 5.09 ft -23
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

Located in northeastern Wisconsin, the Oconto River is a tributary of Lake Michigan via Green Bay. The Oconto River is 56.9 miles (91.6 km) long, stretching from the confluence of its North and South branches at Suring, Wisconsin, to Green Bay at the city of Oconto. Its drainage basin covers 2,416 square miles (6,260 km2), encompassing most of Oconto County as well as portions of Shawano, Marinette, Menominee, Langlade, and Forest counties.