Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Shell Rock River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Shell Rock River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .

The Shell Rock River is a 116-mile-long tributary of the Cedar River in Iowa. The river was named after the abundance of shell rocks found in its bed. It originates in Minnesota and flows into the Cedar River near Shell Rock, Iowa. The river’s watershed covers approximately 1,300 square miles, and its main tributaries are the Winnebago and West Fork Shell Rock Rivers. The river is used for recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and kayaking. The Shell Rock River also provides water for agricultural purposes as it runs through several farming communities. The river is managed by multiple dams, including the Clarksville Dam, the Greene Dam, and the Shell Rock Dam, which are used to regulate water levels and prevent flooding.