Stillwater River Fly Fishing
The Stillwater is one of the most fun freestones in our system when it’s in shape: fast seams, boulder structure, and constant “next-cast” water. It starts high in the Beartooths and flows to the Yellowstone at Columbus, and when summer conditions line up it can deliver a classic Montana dry-fly day that’s worth the drive.
A Freestone That Stays Busy
The Stillwater is built for anglers who like to fish. It’s not a “long float and wait for one bank” river. It’s boulder gardens, short seams, defined pockets, and constant targets that reward good decisions and solid line control.
It also sees less pressure than rivers closer to Livingston and Bozeman, which is part of the appeal. When it’s in shape, you can get the kind of pace and space that’s hard to find on more famous water.
Why We Guide It From Rafts
The Stillwater runs fast and rocky. We guide it from rafts set up for freestone water so we can navigate boulder structure safely, stop and fish the right places, and keep the day comfortable.
What That Means For You
- More control in boulder structure and fast seams.
- Easy to hop out, wade short pieces, then keep moving.
- A better platform for active, high-tempo fishing.
Wading & Comfort
- We wade selectively where it makes sense.
- Strong beginners do well when flows are moderate.
- Intermediate anglers are the sweet spot for this river.
When the Stillwater Makes Sense
The Stillwater is a window river. When flows drop into shape and clarity is right, it can be one of the best freestone days in the region. When it’s not the right call for your dates, we pivot to the water that is.
Late Spring Into Summer
This is the core window most years. As the river settles, expect dry-dropper water, attractor fishing, and legit dry-fly opportunities when conditions line up.
Late Summer & Fall
Some seasons offer strong later windows too. We’ll talk honestly about flows, weeds, and temperatures and pick the right days instead of forcing it.
Note: the river changed in a big way after the 2022 flood event. We pay close attention to what sections are fishing best and which reaches are worth your time in a given season.
Where We Focus
We choose reaches around current flows, your comfort level, and what kind of day you want. In general, the lower river below Absarokee toward the Yellowstone can fish very well when it’s in shape, with classic boulder-and-seam structure.
How We Fish It
Dry-Dropper & Attractors
A lot of Stillwater days are built around covering water efficiently: short drifts, clean hook sets, and repeatable reads. We’ll dial depth, weight, and drift so you’re not guessing.
Dry-Fly Windows
When it sets up, the Stillwater can produce some of the best summer dry-fly action in Montana. We time the day around light, temperature, and the sections that are fishing best.
Skill Levels
Strong Beginners
If you’re new but coachable, we keep it simple: targets, timing, and line control. Moderate flows are the key.
Intermediate Anglers
The Stillwater is an excellent skills river. You’ll get reps on quick reads, mending when needed, and making the next cast count.
Advanced Anglers
If you like placement, tight seams, and “fish the structure” style days, this river delivers. We’ll keep the pace up and fish hard.
The Stillwater is a short-window river. When it lines up, it’s one of the most fun days in the region. If it’s not the best play for your dates, we’ll pivot to the water that is.
Quick Planning
- We choose reaches around flows and your comfort level.
- Raft-based trips for fast, rocky freestone water.
- Great option when you want pace and variety.
Ready to Fish the Stillwater?
- Clear plan for the day: section, approach, and timing.
- Instruction built in if you want it.
- We’ll confirm the best option before you commit.
Conservation & Professional Affiliations
Supporting local rivers, professional instruction, and long-term guide development through these organizations.
