Little Manatee River River Levels

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

The Little Manatee River is a 40-mile-long river in west-central Florida that flows into Tampa Bay.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Little Manatee River was last observed at 27 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 54 acre-ft of water today; about 34% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 79 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2022-09-30 when daily discharge volume was observed at 6,776 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Little Manatee River Near Wimauma Fl reporting a streamflow rate of 25.6 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Little Manatee River, with a gauge stage of 3.12 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Little Manatee River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 57 ft, the Little Manatee River Near Ft. Lonesome Fl.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-04
Discharge Volume 54 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 27.01 cfs
-0.4 cfs (-1.46%)
Percent of Normal 34.35%
Maximum 6,776.0 cfs
2022-09-30
Seasonal Avg 79 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Little Manatee River Near Ft. Lonesome Fl
USGS 02300100
1 cfs 2.56 ft 0
Little Manatee River Near Wimauma Fl
USGS 02300500
26 cfs 3.12 ft -1.54
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Little Manatee River flows 51 miles (82 km), from east of Fort Lonesome, Florida South of Hwy 674 and Earl Reynolds Rd In Hillsborough County through southern Hillsborough County, Florida including towns such as Sun City, Florida, and Gulf City, Florida and northern Manatee County, Florida into Tampa Bay. It has a drainage basin of 222 square miles (570 km2). It flows along the Little Manatee River State Park for part of its route. Portions of the river Such as Hayes Bayou and Mills Bayou have been designated as an Outstanding Florida Water and are part of the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve.