Fishing Report Updated May 8, 2023
This Stillwater River fishing report is valid from May 8 until roughly June 20.
The Stillwater is a good option during cold spells, when it will clear from early runoff quickly. The better fishing is always above the Rosebud Creek confluence in Absarokee, since the Rosebud carries lots of silt. Fish stonefly nymphs and streamers. We are unlikely to fish the Stillwater prior to July, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Look for flows under 1000cfs for best clarity and wade-fishing opportunities. Stick to the walking-speed runs and pools. The trout won’t be in the fast pocket water until summer.
Our next Stillwater River fishing report will come out in late June, when the Stillwater begins dropping from runoff. Early June will probably not see any fishable “runoff windows.”
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