Iowa

River County Reach Length (miles) Description Potential Classification ORVs Watershed (HUC Code 8) Year Listed/ Updated Other State
Boone River Hamilton and Webster From Webster City to confluence with Des Moines River. 26 Iowa's first designated "Protected Water Area." Identified for it's scenic and natural qualities, including relatively undisturbed riparian habitat and excellent smallmouth bass fishery. Recreational Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife Middle Des Moines 1995
Cedar River Louisa, Muscatine Highway 6 to mouth at Iowa River 31 Two federally listed endangered species of mussel and one federally listed species of bat may be found along the river; potentially rich in cultural resources; nice streamside relief with bluffs and ridges. Cultural, Fish, Wildlife Lower Cedar 1982
Maquoketa River Jackson, Jones US 151 Bridge to Mississippi River (omit small reservoir northwest of Maquoketa) 81 River cuts narrow, gorge-like valley up to 150 feet deep through limestone; excellent water quality supporting productive smallmouth bass fishery; potentially rich in cultural resources; threatened northern wild monkshood has been found in basin. Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other Maquoketa 1982
Middle Raccoon River Gutherie and Dallas City of Panora to the city of Redfield dam. 17 A designated Iowa "Protected Water Area." Beautiful canoe route with good access. Excellent smallmouth bass fishing and wildlife viewing. Scenic Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife South Raccoon 1995
Turkey River Clayton, Gayette, Winneshiek, Howard Vernon Springs to Mississippi River 134 Gently rolling hills with dense stands of trees; good trout stream; high potential for significant cultural resources; northern wild monkshood, a federally listed endangered species, has been found in the basin. Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Other Turkey 1982
Upper Iowa River Winneshick and Allamakee City of Kendallville to Highway 76 crossing. 73 A designated "Protected Water Area." The state's most scenic canoe river with towering limestone outcroppings and beautiful riparian habitat. Good bass and trout fishing. Wild Scenic, Recreational, Geologic, Fish, Wildlife Upper Iowa 1995
Wapsipinicon River Clinton, Scott, Cedar, Jones, Linn, Buchanan, Black Hawk, Bremer Frederika to mouth at Mississippi River omitting reservoir NW of Independence, IA. 215 A designated Iowa "Protected Water Area." Wide, wooded flood plain with only limited development and agricultural encroachment; wide diversity of fish and wildlife habitat; exposed geologic fault; historically valuable Stone City quarries. Fish, Geologic, Historic, Scenic, Wildlife Upper Wapsipinicon 1982
Yellow River Allamakee Highway W60 near Myron (section 3, Post Township) to boundary of Effigy Mounds National Monument 32 Heavily wooded with marked relief, camping and backpacking opportunities; unusual ecological niches and plant life, including the northern wild monkshood, a federally listed threatened plant, has been found in the basin; good fishery; high potential for cultural resources (Effigy Mounds National Monument adjoins near mouth). Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife Coon-Yellow 1982
Yellow River Allamakee Entire segment within Effigy Mounds National Monument 4 One of fastest falling rivers in state, providing excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities. Numerous prehistoric Indian burial mounds. Site of Jefferson Davis Sawmill upstream from boundary. Scenic Cultural, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife Coon-Yellow 1982/ 1993

Last updated: November 30, 2016