Live float conditions for 33 South Dakota 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.
Rapid Creek
Rapid Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills 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 Rapid Creek Below Pactola Dam, Sd gauge runs roughly 50–75 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 35–50 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rapid Creek Below Pactola Dam, Sd, Rapid Creek Above Canyon Lake Near Rapid City, Sd, Rapid Creek At Rapid City, Sd, Rapid Cr Near Farmingdale, Sd
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Spearfish Creek
Spearfish Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Spearfish Creek Near Lead, Sd gauge runs roughly 40–50 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Spearfish Creek Near Lead, Sd, Spearfish Creek At Spearfish, Sd
Live Spearfish Creek conditions →
Big Sioux River
Big Sioux River is a small creek in the Big Sioux & East region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Big Sioux River At Watertown, Sd gauge runs roughly 40–250 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: Big Sioux & East · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Big Sioux River At Watertown, Sd, Big Sioux River Near Brookings, Sd, Big Sioux River Near Dell Rapids, Sd, Big Sioux River At Sioux Falls, Sd
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French Creek
French Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills 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 French Creek Above Fairburn, Sd 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: French Creek Above Fairburn, Sd
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Castle Creek
Castle Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills 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 Castle Cr Above Deerfield Res Near Hill City, Sd 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Castle Cr Above Deerfield Res Near Hill City, Sd, Castle Creek Below Deerfield Dam, Sd
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James River
James River is a small river in the James River Valley 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 James River At Columbia, Sd gauge runs roughly 100–1,400 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–350 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: James River Valley · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: James River At Columbia, Sd, James River At Ashton, Sd, James River At Huron, Sd, James River Near Forestburg, Sd
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Little Spearfish Creek
Little Spearfish Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Little Spearfish Creek Near Lead, Sd 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Little Spearfish Creek Near Lead, Sd
Live Little Spearfish Creek conditions →
Split Rock Creek
Split Rock Creek is a small creek in the Big Sioux & East region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Split Rock Creek At Corson, Sd gauge runs roughly 80–160 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 55–80 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Big Sioux & East · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Split Rock Creek At Corson, Sd
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Battle Creek
Battle Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Battle Creek Near Keystone, Sd 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Battle Creek Near Keystone, Sd, Battle Creek At Hermosa, Sd, Battle Creek Below Hermosa, Sd
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Spring Creek
Spring Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Spring Creek Near Keystone, Sd gauge runs roughly 40–100 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Spring Creek Near Keystone, Sd
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Cheyenne River
Cheyenne River is a small creek in the Cheyenne River 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 Cheyenne River At Edgemont, Sd gauge runs roughly 40–220 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: Cheyenne River · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Cheyenne River At Edgemont, Sd, Cheyenne River Below Angostura Dam, Sd, Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap, Sd, Cheyenne River At Red Shirt, Sd
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Boxelder Creek
Boxelder Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Boxelder Creek Near Nemo, Sd 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Boxelder Creek Near Nemo, Sd
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Whitewood Creek
Whitewood Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Whitewood Creek At Deadwood, Sd 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Whitewood Creek At Deadwood, Sd, Whitewood Creek Near Whitewood, Sd
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Belle Fourche River
Belle Fourche River is a small creek in the Belle Fourche & Redwater 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 Belle Fourche River At Wy-Sd State Line gauge runs roughly 80–170 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 55–80 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Belle Fourche & Redwater · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Belle Fourche River At Wy-Sd State Line, Belle Fourche River Near Fruitdale, Sd, Belle Fourche River Near Sturgis, Sd, Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs, Sd
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Redwater River
Redwater River is a small creek in the Belle Fourche & Redwater region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Redwater Creek At Wy-Sd State Line gauge runs roughly 40–50 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: Belle Fourche & Redwater · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Redwater Creek At Wy-Sd State Line, Redwater River Above Belle Fourche, Sd
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Little White River
Little White River is a small creek in the West River Prairie region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Little White River Near Martin, Sd 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: West River Prairie · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Little White River Near Martin, Sd, Little White River Near Rosebud, Sd, Little White River Below White River, Sd
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Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Beaver Creek Near Buffalo Gap, Sd 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Beaver Creek Near Buffalo Gap, Sd
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Bear Butte Creek
Bear Butte Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Bear Butte Creek Near Deadwood, Sd 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Bear Butte Creek Near Deadwood, Sd
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Grand River
Grand River is a small creek in the West River Prairie region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the North Fork Grand River Near White Butte, Sd 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: West River Prairie · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: North Fork Grand River Near White Butte, Sd, South Fork Grand River Near Cash, Sd, Grand River At Little Eagle, Sd
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Skunk Creek
Skunk Creek is a small creek in the Big Sioux & East region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Skunk Creek At Sioux Falls, Sd gauge runs roughly 40–150 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: Big Sioux & East · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Skunk Creek At Sioux Falls, Sd
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Vermillion River
Vermillion River is a small creek in the Big Sioux & East region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the East Fork Vermillion River Near Parker, Sd gauge runs roughly 80–150 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 55–80 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Big Sioux & East · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: East Fork Vermillion River Near Parker, Sd, West Fork Vermillion River Near Parker, Sd, Vermillion River Near Vermillion,Sd
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Fall River
Fall River is a small creek in the Black Hills region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Fall River At Hot Springs, Sd 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Fall River At Hot Springs, Sd
Live Fall River conditions →
White River
White River is a small creek in the West River Prairie region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the White River Near Oglala, Sd gauge runs roughly 40–75 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: West River Prairie · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: White River Near Oglala, Sd, White River Near Interior, Sd, White River Near Kadoka, Sd, White River Near White River, Sd
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Elm River
Elm River is a small creek in the James River Valley region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Elm River At Westport, Sd 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: James River Valley · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Elm River At Westport, Sd
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Elk Creek
Elk Creek is a small creek in the Black Hills region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Elk Creek Near Elm Springs, Sd gauge runs roughly 40–45 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: Black Hills · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Elk Creek Near Elm Springs, Sd
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Moreau River
Moreau River is a small creek in the West River Prairie region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Moreau River Near Faith, Sd gauge runs roughly 40–100 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: West River Prairie · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Moreau River Near Faith, Sd, Moreau River Near Whitehorse, Sd
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Keya Paha River
Keya Paha River is a small creek in the West River Prairie region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Keya Paha River Near Keyapaha, Sd 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: West River Prairie · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Keya Paha River Near Keyapaha, Sd, Keya Paha River At Wewela, Sd
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Little Missouri River
Little Missouri River is a small creek in the West River Prairie region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Little Missouri River At Camp Crook, Sd gauge runs roughly 40–50 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: West River Prairie · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Little Missouri River At Camp Crook, Sd
Live Little Missouri River conditions →
Bad River
Bad River is a small creek in the West River Prairie region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the South Fork Bad River Near Cottonwood, Sd 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: West River Prairie · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: South Fork Bad River Near Cottonwood, Sd, Bad River Near Fort Pierre, Sd
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Flandreau Creek
Flandreau Creek is a small creek in the Big Sioux & East region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Flandreau Creek Above Flandreau, Sd gauge runs roughly 40–100 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: Big Sioux & East · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Flandreau Creek Above Flandreau, Sd
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Whetstone River
Whetstone River is a small creek in the Northeast Glacial region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Whetstone River Near Big Stone City, Sd 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 Glacial · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Whetstone River Near Big Stone City, Sd
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Little Minnesota River
Little Minnesota River is a small creek in the Northeast Glacial region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Little Minnesota River Near Peever, Sd 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 Glacial · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Little Minnesota River Near Peever, Sd
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Bois de Sioux River
Bois de Sioux River is a small creek in the Northeast Glacial region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Bois De Sioux River Near White Rock, Sd gauge runs roughly 40–180 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 Glacial · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Bois De Sioux River Near White Rock, Sd
Live Bois de Sioux River conditions →