Kayaking & Canoeing the Catfish Creek
Iowa paddling guide
- 3.2 mi
- River mapped
- 1
- Boat launches
- 0
- Campgrounds
- 1
- Counties
The Catfish Creek is one of Iowa's designated water trails, tracing roughly 3.2 mi, winding through Dubuque County. This guide maps 1 public boat launch and access point on the Catfish Creek, plus the live USGS gauge readings you need to plan a safe day kayaking, canoeing or tubing in Iowa.
Boat launches & access points on the Catfish Creek
1 public access point for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Canoe AccessDubuque Co.
Live Catfish Creek conditions
Catfish Creek: 383 cfs, 3.3 ft — runnable.
Yes — right now the Catfish Creek is runnable at 383 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:00 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.
Typically runnable between about 110 and 2,400 cfs. Treat readings above 2,400 cfs as dangerous high water and below 110 cfs as too low to float. Provisional paddling band — always scout on site.
Source: USGS North Fork Maquoketa River near Fulton, IA, updated Jul 25, 2026, 7:00 AM CT. Live readings are provisional — always confirm on the map before launching.
River levels change fast. Check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the Catfish Creek on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Catfish Creek paddling FAQ
- Is the Catfish Creek safe to paddle right now?
- Yes — right now the Catfish Creek is runnable at 383 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:00 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.
- How long is the Catfish Creek?
- About 3.2 mi of the Catfish Creek is mapped for paddling across 1 Iowa county, with 1 access point to build shorter day trips.
- Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the Catfish Creek?
- No permit is required to paddle Iowa's rivers. Non-motorized kayaks and canoes don't need registration; just wear a life vest, check the live USGS gauge, and avoid the river during or after heavy rain.
Rivers to paddle near the Catfish Creek
Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:
Paddle more of Iowa
The Catfish Creek is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.