Stillwater River (Stillwater County, Montana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stillwater River |
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The Stillwater River
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| Country | Park and Stillwater County, Montana |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 45°38′17″N 109°16′56″W / 45.63806°N 109.28222°W |
| River mouth | 3,592 feet (1,095 m) 45°38′17″N 109°16′56″W / 45.63806°N 109.28222°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Yellowstone River |
The Stillwater River is a cool river in southern Montana, United States. It flows for about 70 miles (113 km) and eventually joins the much larger Yellowstone River.
Contents
About the Stillwater River
Where Does the Stillwater River Start?
The Stillwater River begins high up in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. This wild area is south of the Beartooth Mountains in Park County. It's also close to the state line with Wyoming and the edge of Yellowstone National Park.
How Does the River Flow?
From its start, the Stillwater River flows northeast. It travels between the Absaroka Range on its west side and the Beartooth Mountains on its east. The river winds through Custer National Forest, passing by small towns like Nye and Absarokee. Finally, it meets the Yellowstone River near Columbus, Montana.
Fishing and Fun on the Stillwater
Is the Stillwater River Good for Fishing?
Yes, the Stillwater River is known as a "blue ribbon fishery." This means it's a really great place for fishing! The main fish you'll find here are different kinds of trout. You might also catch Mountain Whitefish.
What Kinds of Fish Live Here?
- In the lower parts of the river, you'll mostly find Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.
- As you go closer to where the river starts, you'll see more Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout.
When is the Best Time to Fish?
In the spring, Rainbow Trout from the Yellowstone River swim into the Stillwater to lay their eggs. Some travel all the way upstream to Nye! In the fall, Brown Trout also come from the Yellowstone to lay eggs. During these times, you have a better chance of catching bigger fish, sometimes up to 5 pounds. Even though it's sometimes overlooked, the Stillwater is one of Montana's best fishing spots.
Can You Go Boating on the Stillwater?
Even though it's called "Stillwater," many parts of the river have exciting rapids! These are called Class II and Class III whitewater. Many people enjoy fishing from a raft on the river. However, it's a good idea for only experienced boaters to try navigating these sections.
Different Parts of the Stillwater River
Here's a look at different sections of the Stillwater River:
| Section | What It's Like | Main Fish You'll Find |
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| From the Headwaters to Nye (about 35 miles from the end) | This part is rugged and wild. It has strong rapids and some slower, calm areas. One of the biggest calm spots is Lake Sioux Charley. | Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout. |
| From Nye to Rosebud Creek (about 12 miles from the end) | This section is excellent for fly fishing. The water is clear, with some rapids and many small, bubbly areas called "pocket water." Some parts are not safe for floating if the water is too high because of low bridges. | Mostly Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, but you might find other types too. |
| From Rosebud Creek to the Yellowstone River (the very end) | Rosebud Creek adds a lot of water to the Stillwater, but also some silt (muddy stuff). There are strong rapids here, like the famous Beartooth Drop. This part is very popular for whitewater rafting in the summer. | Mostly Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. The closer you get to the Yellowstone River, the larger the fish tend to be! |
Other Names for the Stillwater River
Over time, the Stillwater River has been known by a few other names. These include the Itchkeppearja River, Rose River, Rosebud River, and Stillwater Creek.
