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Wisconsin | South-Central Wisconsin
Wisconsin River
Highway 33 Portage to Dekorra Park
Check current paddling conditions for this Wisconsin River route, including water level, recent gauge trend, weather, and route details.
Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Conditions
Gauge history and hourly forecast
The top card is the quick read. This lower section keeps the longer gauge trend, gauge context, and hourly forecast together.
Gauge detail
Gauge history & hourly forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
Checking preferred range.
Checking trend.
Gauge source
--Checking timestampMN DNR provides the current paddling level here, but not chart-ready recent samples.
Weather
Hourly forecast
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Next 8 hours
Short-route forecast
Checking the next several hours.
Route overview
Quick facts and what's next
Distance, difficulty, shuttle basics, and the near-term outlook before you commit to the drive.
Quick facts
Plan ahead
Upcoming outlook
These are early planning reads. Re-check live conditions before you commit to the drive.
Waiting on forecast.
Waiting on forecast.
Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
Launch near the Highway 33 bridge at Portage and finish at Dekorra Park. Expect big-river current, large islands, sandbars at moderate flows, and side-channel choices rather than technical rapids.
Prepare this trip
Take the plan with you
Download the canonical route, add a calendar hold, or send a simple float plan to your group.
Put-in
Highway 33 bridge carry-in (Portage)The Highway 33 put-in is backed by a Recreation.gov/BLM page describing a Wisconsin DNR carry-in boat launch just before the Highway 33 river crossing, but parking and bank conditions still deserve a same-day check.
Take-out
Dekorra Park landingThe route passes near levee and power-plant infrastructure; keep the trip to the documented reach and avoid trespass or restricted areas.
Plan this segment
Access caveats and watch for
Access caveats
- The Highway 33 put-in is backed by a Recreation.gov/BLM page describing a Wisconsin DNR carry-in boat launch just before the Highway 33 river crossing, but parking and bank conditions still deserve a same-day check.
- The route passes near levee and power-plant infrastructure; keep the trip to the documented reach and avoid trespass or restricted areas.
Watch for
- Shallow side channels below normal summer water.
- Fewer sandbars and faster push above the normal range.
- Wind exposure, powerboats, and confusing island channels.
Route gallery
See this route on the water
Photos help show what the access looks like and what the route actually feels like on the water.
Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today's call.
Why this scoreToday's evidence strength is checking
Evidence strength mostly comes down to three things: how direct the active gauge is, how clear the range is, and how fresh the data is.
- Checking evidence-strength notes.
- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreGauge, thresholds, and timing
These are the live readings and threshold notes behind today's score.
| Gauge site | Wisconsin River near Wisconsin Dells, WI |
| 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 | 4,000 cfs to 8,000 cfs |
| Low threshold | 2,500 cfs |
| High threshold | 13,000 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Wisconsin River Trips Portage segment Dells-gauge depth guide |
| 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.
- Route shape7.8 miles, 3 to 4 hours
Wisconsin River Trips documents Highway 33 to Dekorra Park as a 7.8-mile route with an expected 3- to 4-hour paddle time.
- Published level bands4,001 to 8,000 cfs best window
Wisconsin River Trips treats 4,001 to 6,000 cfs as average summer depth, 6,001 to 8,000 cfs as average spring depth, 10,001 to 13,000 cfs as high and not inviting, and 13,001+ cfs as unsuitable unless experienced.
- Access supportCarry-in to park landing
Wisconsin River Trips identifies a Highway 33 bridge carry-in and Dekorra Park as the endpoint pair. Recreation.gov describes the Portage put-in as a Wisconsin DNR carry-in boat launch just before the Highway 33 river crossing and publishes matching GPS coordinates.
- Take-out supportDekorra Park / Main Street access
Town of Dekorra materials list Dekorra Park beside Main Street Access with Wisconsin River frontage, adjacent paved boat launch, parking, hand pump, portable toilet, and water access.
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
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
See recent photos and notes from people on the route.
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Keep exploring
More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or jump to nearby options before you pick a plan.
Quick answers
Wisconsin River paddling FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Wisconsin River?
Paddle Today watches Wisconsin River near Wisconsin Dells, WI and treats 4,000 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 Wisconsin River route start and end?
This route starts at Highway 33 bridge carry-in (Portage) and ends at Dekorra Park landing, about 7.8 mi on the water.
Is this Wisconsin River route good for beginners?
This is listed as an easy route, but conditions still matter. Check today's score, water level, weather, and access notes before you go.
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Access, hazards, wood, and shuttle details change. Send a quick correction if something looks off.