Our Ozark rivers, including the Meramec, stay packed with visiting canoers, kayakers and jet boaters during the summer months. The winter months, however, are a different story. If you need a bit of solitude, get on the water during the cold weather months.
I kayaked from Scotia, on the Huzzah, to Onondaga Cave on the Meramec on New Years Day. Temperatures were in the thirties, and I never encountered another human being until near the take out at Cave Road in Onondaga State Park.
Five jet boats headed upriver. I spoke to one of the drivers about skinny water up ahead. He indicated that he could make it all the way to Garrison’s, about six river miles away. The boaters were all locals, and no doubt knew the river well.
It’s no secret that water levels have been exceptionally low since summer. The USGS gauge at Cook Station showed 2.19 feet on Jan. 1, with a flow of 47 cubic feet per minute. The Sullivan gauge read 2.90 feet. Generally speaking, the river is pretty easy to navigate from Onondaga to Meramec Caverns, as long as the gauge at Sullivan is reading above 3.00.
A good point to remember is that running upstream is way easier than running downstream. You have more control of your boat and can see the appropriate channels and obstructions much easier as you head upstream versus down. Also, should you break down, or have a mishap while upstream, you can always drift back to your put in point.
One of the best ways to learn jetboating is by observing experienced boaters. Consider hiring a local guide or joining a friend who is familiar with the section of the river you want to run.
As a general rule of thumb for safe and enjoyable jet boating on the Meramec River near Onondaga Cave State Park, you need the river level at the Sullivan gauge to be at 3.5 feet.
While the river can sometimes be navigated lower, 3.5+ feet ensures enough water to avoid submerged gravel bars, rocks, and shallow areas that can destroy an impeller or damage the hull.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the water conditions for jet boating in this area:
Ideal and Minimum Levels (Sullivan Gauge)
• Optimal Flow (>3.5 ft): At or above this level, the river is generally comfortable for most, allowing for easier navigation over shallow areas.
• Marginal/Low (2.5 ft - 3.0 ft): At this level, the river is considered low and very marginal. It requires intimate knowledge of the river to avoid getting stuck or damaging the boat on hidden, shallow spots.
• Dangerous (<2.0 ft): The river is too low for safe jet boating.
Key Considerations for Onondaga Section
• The "Knee Deep" Rule: If you are in less than knee-deep water (about 1-2 feet) while at rest, it is generally considered too shallow to start your engine, as the intake can suck up gravel, sand, and shells.
• Submerged Obstacles: The stretch near Onondaga has a steep gradient, and low water levels can expose hazards that are not visible, even if the gauge seems acceptable.
• Speed Management: The faster a boat moves, the less water it needs to stay on plane (sometimes only 3-4 inches), but stopping in shallow water will leave you stranded.
Before going, always check the USGS Meramec River near Sullivan (07014500) gauge for the most accurate, real-time data.
Many experienced jet boaters prefer to read the USGS water gauges in cubic feet per second. To jet boat safely on the Meramec River near Onondaga (located between the Steelville and Sullivan gauges), you generally need a flow of at least 500 to 800 cfs.
Safe Boating Thresholds
Safe operation depends heavily on your familiarity with the river's rocky riffles and shallow flats.
• Comfortable Level: A flow of 800 cfs or higher is recommended for those less experienced with this specific stretch.
• Prudent Level: Flows between 500 and 900 cfs are considered "easy for the prudent," though they may feature stronger currents.
• Marginal/Expert Level: Experienced boaters who know the deep channels can sometimes navigate at flows as low as 250 cfs on the Steelville gauge, but this is considered risky and marginal for most.
Gauge Height vs. Depth
While jet boats can often run in as little as 6–12 inches of water while on plane, they require 18–20 inches to start from a standstill.
• Sullivan Gauge: A gauge height of roughly 3.5 feet at the Sullivan gauge typically corresponds to median (safer) flows, whereas heights around 2.3 to 2.4 feet indicate marginal conditions where you are likely to hit rocks.
• Minimum Depth: To avoid sucking gravel or debris into your intake, it is best to maintain at least 2–3 feet of water whenever possible.
Current Conditions (Feb. 8, 2026)
The river is currently at Normal status but on the lower end of the safe range for jet boating.
• Steelville: ~1.52 ft
• Sullivan: ~2.87 ft / 330 cfs .
I’ve been on the Meramec twice in the last few weeks, once at Onondaga and once at Meramec State Park. I ran both stretches without any major issues. One must pay close attention in these low water conditions. Deep pools can bottom out quickly into gravel flats and shoals. Although my motor shoe scraped on a couple of occasions, I managed to make it through with no issues.
Jet boating in the winter is especially enjoyable, because the crowds are gone, the water is crystal clear and visibility is excellent up the hills and hollows, and Bald eagles are plentiful.
You can hear more from Bill Cooper by tuning into Living the Dream Outdoors Podcast, which can be found on most social media platforms.
