Live float conditions for 40 Iowa rivers
Every river below is monitored through its USGS streamflow gauges, refreshed every 15 minutes and rated in plain language for kayak, canoe, raft and tube. Select a river for the live dashboard with current flow, trend, weather and community reports.
Upper Iowa River
Upper Iowa River is a small river in the Northeast Driftless region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Upper Iowa River At Bluffton, Ia gauge runs roughly 130–610 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 90–380 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northeast Driftless · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Upper Iowa River At Bluffton, Ia, Upper Iowa River At Decorah, Ia, Upper Iowa River Near Dorchester, Ia
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Mississippi River
Mississippi River is a big-water river in the Border Rivers region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Mississippi River At Clinton, Ia gauge runs roughly 20,000–66,000 cfs. Rafts want at least ~25,500 cfs. Big, trafficked water — not a tubing river. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Border Rivers · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Rafting · USGS gauges: Mississippi River At Clinton, Ia
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Cedar River
Cedar River is a small river in the Eastern Iowa region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Cedar River At Charles City, Ia gauge runs roughly 230–970 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 160–680 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Cedar River At Charles City, Ia, Cedar River At Waverly, Ia, Cedar River At Cedar Falls, Ia, Cedar River At Cedar Rapids, Ia
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Turkey River
Turkey River is a small creek in the Northeast Driftless region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Turkey River At Spillville, Ia gauge runs roughly 120–210 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 85–120 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northeast Driftless · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Turkey River At Spillville, Ia, Turkey River Near Eldorado, Ia, Turkey River Above French Hollow Cr At Elkader, Ia, Turkey River At Garber, Ia
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Des Moines River
Des Moines River is a mid-sized river in the Central Iowa region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Des Moines River At Fort Dodge, Ia gauge runs roughly 150–2,800 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 100–1,500 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Des Moines River At Fort Dodge, Ia, Des Moines River At 2Nd Avenue At Des Moines, Ia, Des Moines River At Ottumwa, Ia, Des Moines River At Keosauqua, Ia
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Wapsipinicon River
Wapsipinicon River is a small creek in the Eastern Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Wapsipinicon River Near Tripoli, Ia gauge runs roughly 220–350 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 150–220 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Wapsipinicon River Near Tripoli, Ia, Wapsipinicon River At Independence, Ia, Wapsipinicon River Near Anamosa, Ia, Wapsipinicon River Near De Witt, Ia
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Yellow River
Yellow River is a small creek in the Northeast Driftless region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Yellow River Near Ion, Ia gauge runs roughly 150–230 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 100–150 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northeast Driftless · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Yellow River Near Ion, Ia
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Iowa River
Iowa River is a small river in the Central Iowa region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Iowa River At Marshalltown, Ia gauge runs roughly 150–1,500 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 100–740 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Iowa River At Marshalltown, Ia, Iowa River At Marengo, Ia, Iowa River At Iowa City, Ia, Iowa River At Wapello, Ia
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Maquoketa River
Maquoketa River is a small river in the Northeast Driftless region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Maquoketa River At Manchester, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–330 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–230 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northeast Driftless · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Maquoketa River At Manchester, Ia, Maquoketa River Near Maquoketa, Ia
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Volga River
Volga River is a small river in the Northeast Driftless region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Volga River At Littleport, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–340 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–240 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northeast Driftless · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Volga River At Littleport, Ia
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Missouri River
Missouri River is a big-water river in the Border Rivers region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Missouri River At Decatur, Ne gauge runs roughly 23,500–42,000 cfs. Rafts want at least ~26,500 cfs. Big, trafficked water — not a tubing river. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Border Rivers · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Rafting · USGS gauges: Missouri River At Decatur, Ne
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Bloody Run Creek
Bloody Run Creek is a small creek in the Northeast Driftless region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Bloody Run Creek Near Marquette, Ia gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northeast Driftless · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Bloody Run Creek Near Marquette, Ia
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Raccoon River
Raccoon River is a mid-sized river in the Central Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Raccoon River At Van Meter, Ia gauge runs roughly 150–2,100 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 100–1,100 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Raccoon River At Van Meter, Ia, Raccoon River At Fleur Drive At Des Moines, Ia
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Shell Rock River
Shell Rock River is a mid-sized river in the Eastern Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Shell Rock River At Shell Rock, Ia gauge runs roughly 160–1,800 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 110–1,000 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Shell Rock River At Shell Rock, Ia
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Boone River
Boone River is a small creek in the Central Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Boone River Near Goldfield, Ia gauge runs roughly 320–1,100 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 220–320 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Boone River Near Goldfield, Ia, Boone River Near Webster City, Ia
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Big Sioux River
Big Sioux River is a mid-sized river in the Border Rivers region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Big Sioux River At Akron, Ia gauge runs roughly 150–2,200 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 100–1,000 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Border Rivers · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Big Sioux River At Akron, Ia, Big Sioux River At Sioux City, Ia
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South Skunk River
South Skunk River is a small creek in the Central Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the South Skunk River Near Ames, Ia gauge runs roughly 140–550 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 100–140 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: South Skunk River Near Ames, Ia, South Skunk River At Colfax, Ia, South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa, Ia
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North Raccoon River
North Raccoon River is a small river in the Central Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the North Raccoon River Near Sac City, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–650 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–270 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: North Raccoon River Near Sac City, Ia, North Raccoon River Near Jefferson, Ia
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North Fork Maquoketa River
North Fork Maquoketa River is a small river in the Eastern Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the North Fork Maquoketa River Near Fulton, Ia gauge runs roughly 220–570 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 150–400 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: North Fork Maquoketa River Near Fulton, Ia
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Winnebago River
Winnebago River is a small river in the Eastern Iowa region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Winnebago River At Mason City, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–560 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–260 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Winnebago River At Mason City, Ia
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Middle Raccoon River
Middle Raccoon River is a small creek in the Central Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard, Ia gauge runs roughly 200–330 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 140–200 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard, Ia, Middle Raccoon River At Panora, Ia
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Little Sioux River
Little Sioux River is a small river in the Northwest Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Little Sioux River At Linn Grove, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–1,400 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–670 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northwest Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Little Sioux River At Linn Grove, Ia, Little Sioux River At Correctionville, Ia, Little Sioux River Near Turin, Ia
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English River
English River is a small creek in the Central Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the English River At Kalona, Ia gauge runs roughly 240–610 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 170–240 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: English River At Kalona, Ia
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Skunk River
Skunk River is a mid-sized river in the Central Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Skunk River At Augusta, Ia gauge runs roughly 180–4,000 cfs. Rafts want at least ~400 cfs. Tubing is best 130–2,000 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Skunk River At Augusta, Ia
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Rock River
Rock River is a small river in the Northwest Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rock River Below Tom Creek At Rock Rapids, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–690 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–390 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northwest Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rock River Below Tom Creek At Rock Rapids, Ia, Rock River Near Rock Valley, Ia
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Chariton River
Chariton River is a small creek in the South Central Iowa region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Chariton River Near Chariton, Ia gauge runs roughly 40–160 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: South Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Chariton River Near Chariton, Ia, South Fork Chariton River Near Promise City, Ia, Chariton River Near Rathbun, Ia, Chariton River Near Moulton, Ia
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East Fork Des Moines River
East Fork Des Moines River is a small river in the Central Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the East Fork Des Moines River Near Algona, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–2,000 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–580 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: East Fork Des Moines River Near Algona, Ia, East Fork Des Moines River At Dakota City, Ia
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South Raccoon River
South Raccoon River is a small river in the Central Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the South Raccoon River At Redfield, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–610 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–400 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: South Raccoon River At Redfield, Ia
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West Fork Cedar River
West Fork Cedar River is a small river in the Eastern Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the West Fork Cedar River At Finchford, Ia gauge runs roughly 110–920 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 75–460 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: West Fork Cedar River At Finchford, Ia
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North Skunk River
North Skunk River is a small river in the Central Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the North Skunk River Near Sigourney, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–780 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–340 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: North Skunk River Near Sigourney, Ia
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Little Cedar River
Little Cedar River is a small creek in the Eastern Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Little Cedar River Near Ionia, Ia gauge runs roughly 150–260 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 100–150 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Little Cedar River Near Ionia, Ia
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Floyd River
Floyd River is a small creek in the Northwest Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Floyd River At Alton, Ia gauge runs roughly 65–180 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 45–65 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northwest Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Floyd River At Alton, Ia, Floyd River At James, Ia
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West Nishnabotna River
West Nishnabotna River is a small river in the Southwest Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the West Nishnabotna River At Hancock, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–620 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–330 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Southwest Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: West Nishnabotna River At Hancock, Ia, West Nishnabotna River At Randolph, Ia
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East Nishnabotna River
East Nishnabotna River is a small river in the Southwest Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–400 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–220 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Southwest Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic, Ia, East Nishnabotna River At Red Oak, Ia
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Nishnabotna River
Nishnabotna River is a mid-sized river in the Southwest Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg, Ia gauge runs roughly 160–2,700 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 110–1,300 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Southwest Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg, Ia
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Ocheyedan River
Ocheyedan River is a small creek in the Northwest Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Ocheyedan River Near Spencer, Ia gauge runs roughly 200–400 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 140–200 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northwest Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Ocheyedan River Near Spencer, Ia
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Nodaway River
Nodaway River is a small river in the Southwest Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Nodaway River At Clarinda, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–440 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–230 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Southwest Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Nodaway River At Clarinda, Ia
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Maple River
Maple River is a small river in the Northwest Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Maple River At Mapleton, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–570 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–300 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northwest Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Maple River At Mapleton, Ia
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Boyer River
Boyer River is a small river in the Northwest Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Boyer River At Logan, Ia gauge runs roughly 100–830 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–420 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northwest Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Boyer River At Logan, Ia
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Thompson River
Thompson River is a small creek in the South Central Iowa region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Thompson River At Davis City, Ia gauge runs roughly 170–380 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 120–170 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: South Central Iowa · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Thompson River At Davis City, Ia
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