The river, which is entirely within the municipality of Jokkmokk, is 238 km long, with a drainage basin of approximately 9800 km².

The longest tributary of the Lesser Lule River is called Tarrajåkkå and it originates in the southern part of Sarek Fell.

After Jokkmokk, it flows towards Vuollerim where it joins the Greater Lule River.

The Lesser Lule River has several hydro-electric power stations on it.

These plants have cut off the traditional migratory routes followed by the Sámi in the area, causing some of the reindeer herders to have to truck the animals between the summer and winter camps.