Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities. Learn more
Access Site WI

Highway 26 Bridge

Rock River

Source: wisconsin_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: Watertown, WI
County: Jefferson County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 43.15792067, -88.75342504
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Rock River
2 runs (1 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
This public boat ramp is located at the south end of the Highway 26 Bridge in Watertown and features a one-lane concrete ramp with dock access and paved parking. The site serves as a convenient launch point on the Rock River, a major waterway (Stream Order 8) with substantial flow averaging 8,774 cubic feet per second. This is an established access point on the Rock River National Water Trail's urban section.

The Rock River in this area is characterized by a gentle average gradient of 1 foot per mile and moderate current of approximately 4.5 feet per second. Paddlers and boaters should be aware that the Watertown area includes multiple dam structures downstream (near Main Street and downtown), with Class I rapids and riffles in the vicinity of the Highway 26 Bridge and railroad bridge. Be prepared for changes in water conditions and plan accordingly if paddling downstream. The site's dock and concrete ramp configuration makes it suitable for kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats.