Our season runs May through October, with shuttles running daily. If you want the lowest odds of a high water cancellation, our 100-year flow data shows overnight odds of 5% or less every day from July 9 through September 17.
Last updated November 2026.
When is Wisconsin Canoe Company open?
May through October, with shuttles running daily.
- Reservations are required at least 36 hours in advance, and we recommend reserving at least a week ahead. Check live availability on the Reservations page.
- Some slow weekdays are closed. If you want to rent 4 or more boats on a closed day, get in touch and we can likely open it for you.
How likely is high water in each month?
The odds are highest in June, drop through July, and are lowest in August. We combined the daily river flow for each of the past 100 years (USGS and NOAA) into the odds that a trip is canceled because of high water. The ranges below are the lowest and highest daily values in that table.
| Month | Overnight trips (daily range) | Day trips (daily range) |
|---|---|---|
| May 14 to May 31 | 6% to 15% | 1% to 5% |
| June | 8% to 19% | 1% to 5% |
| July | 1% to 11% | 1% to 4% |
| August | 1% to 5% | 1% to 2% |
| September 1 to 22 | 1% to 10% | 1% to 3% |
The table runs from May 14 to September 22. The High Water Odds page has the day-by-day numbers and the average daily water and air temperatures.
What river flow is best for paddling and camping?
Below 10,000 cfs (about 3.0 feet deep) means plenty of sandbars. Above 17,000 cfs (about 4.0 feet deep) there are barely a handful of sandbars above water and all trips are canceled.
| River flow | Approximate depth | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Below 5,000 cfs | Not given | More sandbars than you’ll know what to do with, and still more than enough water to make it down the river |
| Below 10,000 cfs | About 3.0 feet | Plenty of sandbars to choose from and a very gentle current of 2 to 3 mph |
| Above 17,000 cfs | About 4.0 feet | Barely a handful of sandbars above water; all trips are canceled (full refund) |
Because of federally mandated minimum flow rates, it is essentially impossible that you would not be able to paddle because of low water. Current flow and the 10-day paddling forecast are on the Current Conditions page.
What happens if the river is too high?
Reservations canceled because of river conditions are refunded in full. If conditions are near or above our limits, you’ll get a notification from us 2 to 3 days before your trip, and we keep you updated by email and text message.
- High water usually works its way through the system in 4 to 6 days, and the higher the water, the faster it drains.
- After heavy rain the river can rise a foot or more overnight. In dry weather or very light rain it is not likely to move more than an inch or two a day.
- We can usually predict high water levels a couple of days out.
- A handful of sandbars and islands stay above most high water, but the space is very limited and not guaranteed.
Camping? Set up at least 16 inches above the waterline and pull your boats well up onto shore. More on the River Safety page and High Water Odds.
What is the summer weather like?
Our FAQ says that 95% of the days in July and August are forecast with a 20 to 30% chance of rain, and that on 90% of the days in July and August it doesn’t rain.
Refunds are not based on weather forecasts. Day trips get a full refund if the National Weather Service issues a severe weather watch or warning scheduled for anytime between 8am and 3pm on the day of the trip. Overnight groups are not eligible for weather refunds. Full details on the Refund Policy page.
When do the west winds blow?
Winds on the river are mostly out of the west and usually pick up around midday and early afternoon, so paddle in the morning and play on the sandbars in the afternoon. More tips on the wind page.
When are the mosquitoes bad?
In the middle of summer, mosquitoes along the riverbank and in stands of trees can be intense, depending on how much rain we’ve had. You’ll typically notice them at sunset and sunrise. Camp in the middle of the river, away from trees and grass, to keep the annoyance to a minimum.
When does firewood run out?
After the first week of June, wood becomes scarce on most of the popular camping spots, so buy firewood ahead of time. Firewood is available as an add-on when you reserve.
When is the river least crowded?
Midweek. The river can get pretty busy on the warmest weekends of summer, so go during the week for solitude and the best chance of having your own sandbar. At peak periods it’s not uncommon to share a large sandbar with another group, though there is typically plenty of space to spread out.
Related pages
Reservations
Wisconsin River Trip Lengths: Arena, Mazomanie and Prairie Du Sac Compared
Current Wisconsin River Conditions
High Water Odds
Frequently Asked Questions