Optimum Wading Conditions on the Dupage

[Mark K]

Can anyone give me a number on one of the USGS graphs for the Dupage that would tell me when there are good safe water wading levels. I'll need to know which graph. Don't need any locations, just a number.

I have substantial wading experience. PM would be fine if you feel more comfortable.

Looking for Naperville and south.

[Guest Don R]

Within the city limits of Naperville they still have a no wading ordinance. I only look at the Shorewood gauge CFPS graph. Others look at the east or west branch gauges. Even at very low levels there are still unsafe areas that are not wadeable.

 

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/il/nwis/uv?05540500

 

I like 400 CFPS (or lower) for now.

 

Once all that wonderful aquatic plant life sprouts up and displaces the water...I'd go with 275 CFPS or lower.

 

These numbers are just one man's general rule of thumb.

 

Use your own best judgement and always use caution while wading.

 

Don R

[alank]

I look at the Shorewood one also...

 

I'll also take a look at the West Branch gauge in Naperville and the East Branch gauge in Bolingbrook. Both these are "close" to the confluence, and gives me an idea on what may be headed downstream that might not have hit the Shorewood gauge yet..

 

West Branch Naperville

 

East Branch Bolingbrook

[WILLIAM C.]

I thought today was great wading conditons put you can throw all that out the window if not

carefull.Using me for an example-I lost my footing on an incline with strong current sweeping

my feet out from under.Needless to say my clothes are in the wash,waders hanging on the line,

and phone camera and other items drying on the table.

But there is good news to go with the bad,that being in the form of one 19'smallie

and three 16's. Woolyhawgtail fished slowly. Couldn't stand walking around with a gallon of

water in my waders so I quit early.

[Mark K]

Thanks, good enough.

I have a good amount experience and am still pretty cautious. Also had my fair share of dunkings. Sometimes no matter how cautious your they can get ya.

[Guest Don R]

I'll take a 19' smallie any day!

[Jim J]

William, I bet you were wading downstream?

[ronk]

Within the city limits of Naperville they still have a no wading ordinance. I only look at the Shorewood gauge CFPS graph. Others look at the east or west branch gauges. Even at very low levels there are still unsafe areas that are not wadeable.

 

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/il/nwis/uv?05540500

 

I like 400 CFPS (or lower) for now.

 

Once all that wonderful aquatic plant life sprouts up and displaces the water...I'd go with 275 CFPS or lower.

 

These numbers are just one man's general rule of thumb.

 

Use your own best judgement and always use caution while wading.

 

Don R

 

I'm putting my house in Plainfield up for sale if they ever ban wading on the main branch.

[Steve S.]

I'm putting my house in Plainfield up for sale if they ever ban wading on the main branch.

 

Hopefully the wading ordinance in Naperville gets officially abolished. Is there any word on this?