The Kishwaukee River is a diverse and productive fishery spanning approximately 1,218 square miles across seven counties in northern Illinois, including Boone, McHenry, Kane, DeKalb, Ogle, Lee, and Winnebago. This river system originates from two main branches: the North Branch, which begins in east-central McHenry County and flows westward toward Rockford before turning south; and the South Branch, which starts near Shabbona and flows northeast to Genoa before turning northwest to meet the North Branch near Cherry Valley. After their confluence, the Kishwaukee flows a short distance before emptying into the Rock River about three miles south of Rockford. The river is known for its exceptional smallmouth bass and channel catfish populations, as well as a variety of other sport fish species, making it a premier fishing destination in northern Illinois.