Stillwater River
Absarokee to Columbus
S Montana, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat.
Stream gauge: 06205000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 2460 cfs, the Stillwater is running high and off-color — well above the typical June range of 600-1500 cfs. Water temp is 52.2°F, right at the threshold for golden stone activity, but visibility will be limited in the muddy flows. Focus on the lower canyon sections where tributary inputs provide cleaner water. Big attractor patterns like Chubby Chernobyls and yellow stimulators will punch through the murk. Wait for the weekend's cooler temps to help drop flows before expecting prime conditions to return.
- Flow: 2460 cfs — running high and muddy, well above normal June range of 600-1500 cfs
- Hatches: Golden stones active at 52°F, but visibility limited. Big attractors like Chubby Chernobyl will work better than naturals
- Water Temp: 52.2°F — right at golden stone emergence threshold, caddis also possible in cleaner water
- Best Window: Mornings before afternoon winds kick in. Focus lower canyon for clearer tributary inputs
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: June–Oct, peak July–Aug
The Stillwater River drains the north slope of the Beartooth Range before entering the Yellowstone near Columbus. Its upper canyon sections are designated Wild and Scenic — rugged, remote, and productive for native westslope cutthroat and brook trout. The lower river broadens and slows through agricultural valleys where large brown trout are the primary quarry. The Beartooth Plateau headwaters are a stunning backcountry trout destination.
The Stillwater's upper canyon is classified Wild and Scenic — one of the most pristine undeveloped river canyons in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
January Outlook
The Stillwater in winter is cold and quiet. The canyon above Absarokee stays open most winters. Midge fishing in the canyon pools for dedicated anglers. The scenic Beartooth-Absaroka backdrop is spectacular in winter.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
Access the canyon from the road above Absarokee. Fish deep, slow pools with small midge rigs on indicator. The river sees almost no winter pressure — fish are undisturbed and catchable on the right day.
Water Notes
200–400 cfs. Canyon stays open; valley sections may freeze. Water 34–40°F.
February Outlook
February midging with increasing daylight. The canyon is cold but productive. The Stillwater is one of those overlooked rivers that fishes better than expected year-round.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Hare's Ear
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Fish the canyon sections between the Woodbine campground and Absarokee. Target noon–2pm. A two-midge indicator rig is the standard winter approach.
Water Notes
250–500 cfs. Cold but fishable in the canyon. Water 36–44°F.
March Outlook
Early Skwala and Baetis action in the lower canyon. The Stillwater responds to warm March days with good early season dry fly fishing — usually ahead of the schedule for the Madison or Yellowstone.
Productive Patterns
- Skwala Stone #10
- Sparkle Dun #18
- RS2
- Hare's Ear
Tips
The lower canyon section near Absarokee fishes best in March. Skwala dries appear on warm afternoons in the second half of the month. Access is excellent from the canyon road.
Water Notes
300–800 cfs. Building toward runoff. Water 40–50°F. Fish before runoff peaks — the Stillwater clears relatively quickly.
April Outlook
Early spring on the Stillwater. BWO hatches beginning on overcast days. Flows rising from snowmelt but the river remains fishable in the lower sections near Columbus. Pre-runoff nymphing in deeper pools is productive.
Productive Patterns
- BWO Parachute #18
- Pheasant Tail #16
- Pat's Rubber Legs #8
- Zebra Midge #20
Tips
Fish the lower sections near Absarokee and Columbus where flows are most manageable. BWOs on overcast afternoons. Nymph rigs in the deeper runs produce well. The river will blow out by late April most years.
Water Notes
Flows increasing steadily. Best fishing early in the month before peak snowmelt.
May Outlook
Beautiful freestone rainbow and brown trout fishery emerging from runoff. Canyon below Absarokee is the first to clear.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
- Hare's Ear
Tips
Smaller and less crowded than most Montana rivers. Wade carefully in the canyon — steep gradient. Caddis and PMD activity begins as water clears.
Water Notes
800–1,800 cfs by late May. Canyon clears ahead of valley sections.
June Outlook
Excellent. Golden Stones, PMDs, and Caddis. Less pressure than the Madison or Yellowstone but equivalent quality fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Golden Stone
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator #10
Tips
Walk-wade the canyon from the Absarokee bridge upstream. Pocket water holds fish in every protected slot. Evening caddis 6–9pm are the day's highlight.
Water Notes
600–1,500 cfs. Clear and cold 50–58°F. Underrated June fishery in the region.
July Outlook
Hopper fishing on the open valley sections below Absarokee. Canyon sections continue producing caddis action.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper-Dropper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
- PMD Cripple
Tips
Float the valley section from Absarokee to the Yellowstone confluence for best hopper access. Wade the canyon for technical pocket water fishing.
Water Notes
400–900 cfs. Good wading conditions. Water 60–66°F.
August Outlook
Hopper-dropper fishing productive. River's smaller size makes for an intimate experience. Water temps in lower valley require morning focus.
Productive Patterns
- Dave's Hopper
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Parachute Ant
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
Focus morning sessions on the canyon where water stays cooler. Move to valley sections in the afternoon.
Water Notes
300–600 cfs. Canyon 60–65°F; valley sections can exceed 68°F.
September Outlook
Stillwater's best month. Fewer anglers, cooling water, beginning of fall BWO and streamer fishing. A gem for those who know it.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer
- Hopper
Tips
Drive the canyon road above Absarokee and access best runs on foot. September crowds that hit the Yellowstone don't follow to the Stillwater.
Water Notes
250–500 cfs. Excellent clarity and wading. Water 52–60°F. Uncrowded and beautiful.
October Outlook
Quiet and productive. Brown trout spawning activity produces aggressive fish in the deeper pools.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Egg
- Blue Winged Olive
- Copper John
Tips
One of the best off-the-beaten-path October rivers in Montana. Work pools below major rapids where spawning browns concentrate.
Water Notes
200–400 cfs. Very low and clear. One of Montana's overlooked autumn rivers.
November Outlook
November on the Stillwater transitions from fall to winter. Midge fishing in the canyon above Absarokee for dedicated anglers. Brown trout spawn concludes. The scenic Beartooth backdrop is dramatic in November.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Juju Baetis
- RS2
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
Canyon sections above Absarokee stay open through November. Fish the deep pools noon–2pm. Almost no pressure — a completely private experience on a quality river.
Water Notes
200–400 cfs. Cold 38–46°F. Canyon stays open; valley sections approaching winter conditions.
December Outlook
December on the Stillwater is for the very dedicated. Cold and quiet. Midge fishing in deep canyon pools when conditions allow.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Mercury Midge
- WD-40
Tips
Access the canyon road above Absarokee. Fish the deepest pools in the midday window. The Stillwater in December is one of the most uncrowded quality fisheries in Montana.
Water Notes
150–350 cfs. 34–40°F. Canyon pools stay fishable on mild days.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct | #18–22 |
|
| Salmonfly Pteronarcys californica |
Jun | Jun, Jul | #4–8 |
|
| Golden Stonefly Hesperoperla pacifica |
Jul | Jun, Jul | #8–12 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche / Brachycentrus spp. |
Jul, Aug | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–18 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
Jul | Jul, Aug | #16–18 |
|
| Hoppers Acrididae / Tettigoniidae |
Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #8–12 |
|
Access & Approach
Columbus and Absarokee, MT. Montana FWP access sites along the lower river. Upper canyon access requires hiking from Nye or Fishtail. USDA Forest Service land in the upper drainage. Montana fishing license required.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Fly Fish Montana
- Dan Bailey's
- Sweetwater Fly Shop
- Yellowstone Angler
Regulations & License
Fishing in Montana requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Montana fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Stillwater River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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