Carroll, Lee, Ogle & Whiteside Counties

Paddle the Blackhawk Waterways and discover a tranquil beauty found nowhere but here.

The beautiful Rock River flows through the Blackhawk Waterways Region and its serene waters are what make Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties special in their shared treasure. A stroll along her banks is a great way to spend the day, as well as sitting at her shore with a pole in the water, hoping to catch one of her tasty catfish or walleye, but the best way to visit the Rock is to let her take you for a ride! Carroll County is also home to the mighty Mississippi, as well as other backwaters for your enjoyment as well.

Paddling the waters of northwest Illinois is a truly magical experience. There are many breathtaking views from the water, including magnificent bluffs, an abundance of wildlife, including the Bald Eagle, Whitetail Deer, Beaver, Muskrat and a variety of birds. A spectacular landscape will engulf you, rich in native plants, astounding colors and refreshing outdoor aromas.

Outfitters:
Going with an outfitter for a run down the Rock River is an excellent choice for a family outing. They take care of all the busy work, send you on your way for a river adventure and pick you up!

TJs Bait and Tackle
Located in Oregon, Illinois is TJs Bait and Tackle, 305 South 1st Street. You may visit their website at www.tjscanoerental.com or call at (815) 732-4516. Here you will be greeted by TJ, a brightly colored blue and yellow Macaw. The shop offers a wide selection of fishing supplies as well as great opportunities for a trip down the Rock.

They offer a number of packages, which all include a pick up shuttle. Launch times are on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. A two hour trip to Castle Rock State Park is $30.00 and a 4 hour trip to Grand Detour is $45.00. They also offer an overnight camping package for $50.00. TJs has 34 canoes as well as kayaks for rent. For all rental rates please refer to the website or call ahead for reservations. 

Rock River Outfitters
Also in Oregon is Rock River Outfitters, 114 N. River Road. They have canoes and kayaks for rent as well, and offer trips to Castle Rock, Grand Detour or Lowell Park in Dixon, Illinois. The trips can range from 2 to 4 hours, or all day if you like!

Owner, O. K. Welty said people often return from their trip and comment on the difference between driving along the Rock versus being on the water.

“They didn’t realize how beautiful the river was until they were actually on it,” Welty said, adding that the wildlife is spectacular, noting the Bald Eagles between Oregon and Grand Detour.

Rock River Outfitters also have fishing boats available with motor, trailer and safety equipment. A 16-foot flat bottom fishing boat is available for $100 a day, or $65 for half a day. They have various sizes at various prices; take the entire family for an exciting fishing excursion! 

Please call for reservations, rates and availability at (815) 732-9999 or (815) 978-1896. Website: www.rockriveroutfitter.com. 

See the lion's face? A bluff on the Wakarusa River in Mt. Carroll.

This, however, was a blessing for the Illinois sportsman. The canal is home to 78 miles of canoeing and kayaking opportunities and is snaked by parks and a beautiful walking path. This waterway is perfect for beginners as the waters are very calm, there are no obstructions and wildlife is abundant.

Debbie Thompson, an art teacher from Dixon, Illinois said, “Of all the northern Illinois canoe trips I have taken I saw more wildlife on the Hennepin than any other waterway. Beaver, cranes, muskrat, giant ancient turtles, ducks and geese are among the many creatures I’ve spotted on the canal.”

There is a boat landing south of Rock Falls off Route 40, providing access and many take-out places along the way.

There are many other creeks and small rivers running through the Blackhawk Waterways Region, just waiting to be explored.  Speak to your outfitter about other canoeing or kayaking opportunities and examine local maps to find the trip that’s perfect for you, your family and your skill level. Now, throw on that life jacket, grab those paddles and go! 

Regulations/Safety Tips:
With any boating excursion it is always a must to plan ahead. Purchase a detailed map of the area you plan to boat, or download a quality map off of the Internet, and keep it in a water-tight bag for viewing, large zip-locking bags work very well.

Always make sure you are putting your craft in the water at a legal location. A handful of the small waterways run through private farmland, making it a trespassing violation to be on the water. Just be weary of this and watch for signs. Also, watch for electric fences, as some pasture parameters cross the waterway. These will be nearly invisible and will most likely have a yellow plastic connector on them that will catch your eye. They are usually located under bridges.

Be very cautious of Poison Ivy, Stinging Nettle and Wild Parsnip. Carry a First Aid kit with you at all times, and familiarize yourself and your family with what these plants look like. Showing images of each plant to your children is a great way to keep them on the look-out. The Parsnip is especially dangerous as it produces burns on the skin, which can be minor to severe, and very painful. If you come into contact with any of these plants, a good precaution is to take some of the muddy clay from the water’s edge and apply it to the area you think may have been exposed. 

Note: All persons and watercraft must stay 50 feet away from the Oregon dam. The waters just below the dam can be very unpredictable and dangerous, so be sure you’re in compliance with this regulation.

If you plan on doing any fishing you must have a current Illinois Department of Natural Resources Fishing License. You can purchase a license at a variety of locations, including Wal-Mart, or online by visiting this site: https://www3.wildlifelicense.com/il/start.php

Children age 13 and under are required to wear a life preserver at all times. There must be a life preserver for each individual aboard a craft, and everyone is encouraged to wear them at all times. All personal watercraft must meet license and registration requirements, if providing your own vessel.

 Illinois Boating Legal Requirements, 14 pages 1.84 Mb