See all 18 routes on Des Moines River
Iowa | Central Iowa
Des Moines River
South Fraser Ramp to Waterworks Upstream Access / E-26
Check current paddling conditions for this Des Moines River route, including water level, recent gauge trend, weather, and route details.
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Today
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Start with the verdict, current conditions, route plan, and quick facts before you commit to the drive.
Today's conditions
Gauge
Recent trend
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Checking trend.
Gauge source
--Checking timestampMN DNR provides the current paddling level here, but not chart-ready recent samples.
Weather
Best window today
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Today by hour
Short-route forecast
Checking the next several hours.
Quick facts
Plan
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Use this section once the route looks viable and you need to turn it into an actual trip plan.
Access plan
Access, shuttle, and map
Launch below the Fraser dam portage at South Fraser and take out at Waterworks Upstream / E-26 before the Boone Waterworks rock-arch rapids.
Put-in
South Fraser RampOpen mapDo not run the Fraser dam; this card begins at South Fraser after the portage/relaunch boundary.
Take-out
Waterworks Upstream Access / E-26Open mapWaterworks Upstream / E-26 is a hard stop unless a separate Boone Waterworks rapids or portage plan is staged.
Pulling access map tiles. Usually under 5 seconds.
Access caveats and watch for
Access caveats
- Do not run the Fraser dam; this card begins at South Fraser after the portage/relaunch boundary.
- Waterworks Upstream / E-26 is a hard stop unless a separate Boone Waterworks rapids or portage plan is staged.
- Saved coordinates are practical access-area anchors from official DNR/USACE map labels; use current signs for the exact ramp approach.
Watch for
- Fraser dam portage discipline and the downstream Waterworks rapids boundary.
- Strainers, silted ramps, bridge debris, and faster current after rain or reservoir changes.
- Private uplands above the high-water mark and limited public exits between ramps.
Route gallery
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Sources
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Use this section when the page shows stale data, limited confidence, or a call you want to verify before driving.
Why this scoreToday's data confidence is checking
Data confidence mostly comes down to three things: how direct the gauge is, how clear the range is, and how fresh the data is.
- Checking data confidence notes.
- Checking data confidence cautions.
OutlookTomorrow and weekend
This is a cautious early look. If the data is too thin, we leave it out.
Waiting on forecast.
Waiting on forecast.
Data behind the scoreGauge, thresholds, and timing
These are the live readings and threshold notes behind today's score.
| Gauge site | Des Moines River near Stratford, IA |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Target band | 400 cfs to 8,000 cfs |
| Low threshold | 400 cfs |
| High threshold | 8,000 cfs |
| Data confidence behind the range | Official and local sources |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | CanWePaddle Fort Dodge-to-Lehigh estimated range, applied conservatively to the upper Des Moines corridor |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Official route and mileageSouth Fraser to Waterworks Upstream/E-26, about 5 mi
The Iowa DNR Boone County map labels South Fraser at river mile 249 and E-26/Waterworks access near river mile 244.
- Dam and portage boundaryFraser dam portage; Waterworks rapids ahead
Iowa DNR says the Fraser low-head dam is not recommended and is bypassed by North and South Fraser plus the portage trail; it also identifies Waterworks upstream/downstream accesses for avoiding the rock-arch rapids.
- Current gauge checkUSGS 05481300 1,020 cfs / 5.76 ft
USGS Water Services returned current Des Moines River near Stratford data at 2026-07-23 20:00 CDT during this run; downstream Saylorville also returned 1,530 cfs / 3.65 ft.
- Boone County water trail38 river miles and 8 ramps
Boone County says this state water trail has signs, informational kiosks, approximately 38 river miles, and eight boat ramps, while warning users about the Fraser and Boone Waterworks dams.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
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Reports
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Quick answers
Des Moines River paddling FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Des Moines River?
Paddle Today watches Des Moines River near Stratford, IA and treats 400 cfs to 8,000 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does this Des Moines River route start and end?
This route starts at South Fraser Ramp and ends at Waterworks Upstream Access / E-26, about About 5 mi on the water.
Is this Des Moines River route good for beginners?
This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.
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