Dog River (Alabama) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dog River |
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Dog River looking toward the mouth of the river; the Dog River Bridge in the background
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Mobile County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 30°38′30″N 88°05′48″W / 30.64158°N 88.09666°W |
| River mouth | 30°33′54″N 88°05′18″W / 30.56491°N 88.08833°W |
| Length | 8 miles (13 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 90 square miles (230 km2) |
The Dog River is a cool river in Mobile County, Alabama. It's about 8 miles (13 km) long. This river is special because it's affected by the ocean's tides. It starts in the city of Mobile. Then, it flows into Mobile Bay, which is a big area where river water mixes with ocean water. Mobile Bay is part of the northern Gulf of Mexico.
The river got its name from early French settlers. They called it "Riviere Au Chien," which means "Dog River" in English. The land area that drains into the Dog River is huge, covering over 90 square miles (233 square kilometers)!
Contents
What Makes Dog River Special?
The Dog River is a brackish river. This means its water is a mix of fresh water from land and salty water from the ocean. It's also a pretty shallow river. Most of the time, it's about 9 to 12 feet (2.7 to 3.7 meters) deep. But in some areas, especially near the wetlands, it can be as shallow as 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters) when the tide is in the middle.
Amazing Fish and Wildlife
Because the Dog River has both fresh and salt water, many different kinds of fish live there! You can find fresh water fish like bass and bream. You can also find salt water fish such as mullet, redfish, croakers, speckled trout, and flounder. It's a great place for fishing!
Fun Things to Do
Most of the land along the Dog River is owned by people. However, there are several parks and public places where you can launch a boat. If you're out on the water, you can even refuel your boat at marinas located near where the river meets Mobile Bay. It's a popular spot for boating and enjoying nature.
River Friends: Tributaries
Many smaller streams and creeks flow into the Dog River. These are called tributaries. They help fill the river with water. Some of the main tributaries that join the Dog River include:
- Alligator Bayou
- Bolton Branch
- Eslava Creek
- Halls Mills Creek
- Montlimar Canal
- Moore Creek
- Pearch Creek
- Rabbit Creek
- Rattlesnake Bayou
- Robinson Bayou
Images for kids
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Dog River near Navco Park with a rolling fog bank.
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Halls Mill Creek, one of Dog River's tributaries.
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Halls Mill Creek after a heavy rain.
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The Dog River Bridge.
