THE ROCK RIVER
CANOEING OPPORTUNITIES
In contrast to most of the other rivers in Illinois, the Rock River
flows through several towns and cities, and cottages are frequently
seen along the banks in most of the suitable areas.
The Rock is an excellent stream for canoeing. It flows for nearly
150 miles through Illinois and can be cruised by canoe at any time
of the year. Only in times of extremely low water, will there be
extensive gravel bars below the dams to make long carrys necessary.
There is a good current, ranging from 1 to 2 miles per hour, and
for this reason, it would be well to have paddlers with at least
some experience. Some of the riffles are shallow, but the river
generally averages about 15 feet in depth and in the section between
Dixon and Sterling, depths may go to 50 feet. The bottom is largely
bed rock, but there are extensive gravel areas and some places where
the bottom is covered with a layer of mud or silt.
This river can be cruised "white collar", carrying a
lunch, stopping overnight at hotels or motels, eating breakfast
and supper at restaurants in the towns along the way.
It is an hour's paddle from the State line at Beloit to the mouth
of the Pecatonica River, which nearly doubles the flow of water.
The Rockton dam is about 2 miles below the mouth of the Pecatonica.
In summer, there may not be enough water below the dam to float
canoes. If so, paddle the head race canal to the paper mill water
wheel. It is only a short portage from the water wheel back to the
river.
The banks along this section of the river are low and extensively
cultivated. A few miles downstream, there is a forest preserve on
the west bank, where camping is allowed. It is an easy day's paddle
from Beloit to Rockford.
There is a dam just below the business district at Rockford. Be
sure to stay clear of the head race, which can be seen about 100
feet above the dam as you approach the electric power plant. The
head race develops a strong current when the turbines are running,
and a canoe could possibly be pulled into the debris grating. Land
on the spit between the dam lip and the head race. This is a steep
carry. The trip from the Rockford Dam to Oregon can be made in a
long day; however, if you are out of shape, or want to enjoy an
easy trip, plan to take more time. Canoes can be rented in Rockford.
Inquire at downtown Rockford, just north of Route 20 (State Street.)
Eight miles below Rockford, the Kishwaukee River adds a substantial
flow to the Rock and marks the beginning of the scenic high banks
of Ordovician age limestone. There is a small forest preserve just
upstream, on the south bank of the Kishwaukee River.
It is a nice week end trip from Black Hawk Park, on the south side
of Rockford near the 15th Street bridge (or another small park a
few blocks north on the west side) to Dixon. Plan to reach Byron
by lunch time and Oregon 3 or 4 hours later. Portage at the Oregon
Dam is relatively easy. Below the dam, keep to the right side of
the stream to avoid the rocks and for a better view of the cliffs
downstream from the dam. Stay all night at Oregon and paddle the
remaining 20 miles from Oregon to Dixon the following day. This
is one of the most scenic river routes in the middle west. Take
time to climb Castle Rock, glide along the cliffs which rise vertically
from the water, and explore historic Grand Detour.
End at Dixon, or at the city park a few miles above the dam. If
you cross the Dixon dam, portage on the left side. There are many
points of access to this portion of the river, from Route 2 which
follows the river on the west side.
The distance from Dixon to Sterling can easily be paddled in one
day. This part of the river is excellent for canoeing, although
somewhat less, scenic than the section above Dixon.
At Sterling-Rock Falls, there are two dams a mile apart. Both are
portaged on the east side. The first dam made a pool to feed the
old Illinois and Mississippi Canal, and if you wish, you can paddle
southward down this old feeder for 35 miles to the I and M Canal.
There will be some short portages, where the bridges have been replaced
by culverts and fills.
Below Sterling-Rock Falls, the Rock River flows through low farmland.
There is a gentle current, numerous small islands, and no other
dam until you approach the mouth of the river, where it empties
into the Mississippi. The flat terrain and the low banks do not
make dams for water power feasible.
Below Sterling-Rock Falls the Rock River flows through low farmland.
There is a gentle current, numerous small islands, and no other
dam until you approach the Quad-Cities area near the mouth of the
river where it empties into the Mississippi. In the Quad-Cities
area are two dams. One is on the south draw formed by Vandruff Island;
the other is on the north draw of the same island. There are Class
III rapids on the south side of Vandruff Island, starting at the
U.S. Route 67 bridge and extending about 100 yards downstream. At
the head of the rapids is an old bridge pier protruding about 25
feet into the river and creating a whirlpool which should be avoided.
If you wish to avoid the rapids, take the north channel around
Vandruff Island; and portage the dam under the Route 67 bridge on
the left. The right side is the head race for the electric plant
and would form a very difficult and dangerous portage. There have
been numerous boating accidents in this area, and even the most
experienced "river rats" should use extreme caution.
The Rock River is heavily polluted, but because of the fast current
and the many riffles, the condition is largely camouflaged.
Fishing is best in the tailwater below the dams. Channel catfish,
bullhead, crappie, walleye and carp are the species most frequently
caught. May and June are reported to be the best fishing months,
but channel catfish are caught most any time.
Public launching areas are available at the Sportsmans Club and
the Macktown Forest Preserve at Rockton; at the Lowden State Park
and at the Oregon Dam at Oregon; at the public ramp and at Lowell
Park at Dixon; at the Lawrence Park ramp at Sterling; and at Prophetstown
State Park at Prophetstown. Campsites are available at Lowden State
Park, Prophetstown State Park, the Erie Boating Club at Erie, and
at Landuit Lake at Joslin.
