Fox (Illinois R. trib.)
A) Downtown Waukesha: Barstow St. to Wisconsin Ave. (0.5 mile)
| Difficulty | I |
| Length | 0.4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 10 fpm |
| Gauge | Fox River at Waukesha, Wi |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 128 cfslow runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 26, 2026 |
River Description
The half-mile of river through downtown has been constricted between rock-rubble and stone walled banks. A number of shoals and riffles exist which may provide minor swiftwater entertainment (there are no significant 'features'). High flows will mean a faster flush, but the river will always be more swiftwater than actual whitewater.
The whole reach is a highly visible location, with a wonderful downtown riverwalk paralleling the whole reach.
Put-in (for any who bother with this reach) is advised below the short cement dam at Barstow Street, and take-out is advised before Wisconsin Avenue.
This may be paired with (or either may be 'substituted for' the other) the listed run on the Pewaukee River, which has it's take-out on the Fox River upstream of this reach.
River Features
Put In
Steps from river-right lead to water's edge for easy put-in downstream of the dam. Paddle out into the current and head downstream.
Flow coming off the dam is broken up by a 'splash pan', making no playable feature at any resonable flow here.
Take Out
It is possible to continue downriver, but currents quickly diminish, and you'll find nothing more than a flatwater float.
USGS Gauge
Gauge location, just 1 mile downstream of the dam (the listed put-in for this reach), thus should be very accurate at reporting conditions for this reach. Drainage area at the gauge is 126 square miles.
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