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Columbus / Absaroka

Stillwater River

Fishable2,150 CFSIntermediate

Live Conditions

Stillwater RiverStillwater River near Absarokee

Fishable
2,150CFS
Discharge
3.71ft
Gauge Height
58.5°F
Water Temp
Updated 1 hr agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↑ Rising

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

26.31 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

71°FClear sky
Wind 13 mph26.31 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

☁️

Overcast

76° / 47°

Tomorrow

🌤️

Partly cloudy

73° / 49°

Sat

🌦️

Drizzle

83° / 53°

0.06"

Sun

🌦️

Drizzle

78° / 56°

0.06"

Cold front incoming — go deep with nymphs, surface activity likely slow.

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

One call. Specific to today's exact conditions on the Stillwater River.

9.4

Time of Day

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Stillwater River conditions.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Stillwater River · June · Early Summer

Full calendar →

🟢 Active now at 58.5°F water

CaddisPale Morning Dun

🟡 Approaching — within 5°F of trigger range

Blue-Winged Olive

Select month

JanDec

⚠ Runoff season — check live gauge before driving

Peak runoff continuing early month. SALMONFLIES (size 4-6) starting late month when flows allow — high-elevation timing makes June the Stillwater Salmonfly window. Golden Stones (size 6-8). Caddis (size 14-16).

Caddis

🟢 Active · 🟡 Approaching · ⚪ Seasonal only

River Map

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USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About Stillwater River

Despite the name, a fast freestone draining the Beartooth-Absaroka Wilderness south of Columbus. Pocket water full of wild rainbows, browns, and Yellowstone Cutthroat — a quieter alternative to the Yellowstone over the divide.

SalmonflyGolden StoneCaddisPale Morning DunHopperBlue-Winged Olive

Regulations

Standard Montana trout regulations apply on the Stillwater; cutthroat and brown trout are the primary species. Montana fishing license required. Verify current regs at fwp.mt.gov before fishing.