Fishing Report Updated October 15, 2022

This Stillwater River fishing report is valid October 15 through October.

The Stillwater is now too low to float with any size raft upstream from the Rosebud confluence. Downstream, it’s still possible to float with two-man whitewater rafts or three-man ultralight rafts, though even these craft will need to be dragged over some gravel bars.

Early mornings will be slow. Nymph the deep runs with a Girdle Bug and either a BWO nymph or some type of slender attractor such as a Delektable Spanker or Lightning Bug.

Hatches have been sporadic in the afternoons, though the fish in the Stillwater may be more eager to eat a large mayfly-style attractor dry than those in the Yellowstone: think a #12 Royal Wulff Cripple. Hopper-dropper fishing is essentially over for the year.

Streamers are always good in the fall on the Stillwater. Moderate-sized Zonkers and Woolly Buggers are favorites.

Learn more about fishing the Stillwater River.

Learn more about our float trips, including those on the Stillwater.

Stillwater River Fishing Report Relevant Links

  • Absarokee Streamflows: Flows over 4000cfs get sketchy above Absarokee. Flows 4000-2000 are best floated above Absarokee. 2000-1200 are good everywhere. 1200-800 are best below Absarokee but doable above. 800-450 are doable downstream of Absarokee, with the precise cutoff between 500 and 450 depending on how much weight is in your raft and how willing you are to drag the boat through shallow areas.
  • Absarokee Weather