Fisher Creek, Dolores River Segment 1 river run
Fisher Creek, Dolores River Segment 1
The Fisher Creek run spans approximately 11 miles and is known for its steep terrain, narrow canyons, and challenging rapids. There are several significant rapids in the area, including Fisher Creek Falls, Sluice Box, and V-Notch. These rapids offer a thrilling experience for whitewater enthusiasts but also require careful navigation.
There are specific regulations to the area, such as required permits, camping restrictions, and fire restrictions in certain areas. It is recommended to check with the local ranger station for the latest regulations before planning a trip. Additionally, visitors should be mindful of the Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the fragile ecosystem.
Overall, the Fisher Creek run in Segment 1 of the Dolores River is a challenging and exciting whitewater experience. With its ideal streamflow range, Class III-IV rating, and numerous rapids, it is a popular destination for experienced kayakers and rafters. However, visitors should also be aware of the specific regulations and guidelines for the area to ensure a safe and responsible trip.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Fisher Creek, Dolores River Segment 1 -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Dolores River Near Cisco | 197 cfs | → |
| Colorado River Near Cisco | 4,220 cfs | → |
| Dolores River Near Gateway | 200 cfs | → |
| Castle Creek Below Castle Valley Near Moab | 4 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek At Sheley Tunnel | 6 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek Below Sheley Tunnel | 3 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Boat launches
- Ut 128 Moab
- Hittle Bottom Recreation Site
- Dewey Bridge Recreation Site
- Grand County
- Lower Onion Creek Boat Ramp
- Fisher Towers Road Grand County
Other river runs
- Dolores River Segment 1
- Beaver Creek
- Fisher Creek
- Granite Creek, Dolores River Segment 2
- Dolores River Segment 2
Campgrounds
- Cowskin Camping Area
- Fisher Towers Recreation Site
- Fisher Towers Campground
- Fisher Towers
- Bull Draw, Manti La Sal Nf Road Campsite
- Hittle Bottom Recreation Site
Fishing spots
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Fisher Creek, Dolores River Segment 1 as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Fisher Creek, Dolores River Segment 1
What's the optimal flow for Fisher Creek, Dolores River Segment 1?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Fisher Creek, Dolores River Segment 1.