Stillwater River Fly Fishing
Tucked away from crowds, the Stillwater River in southern Montana offers excellent trout fishing for anglers of all experience levels.
Born from alpine streams and lakes, this 70.2-mile Yellowstone River tributary maintains a cold temperature ideal for sustaining healthy trout populations.
Book a full day float trip along the Stillwater River’s prime fly fishing section between Nye and Columbus, MT.
Best Seasons to Fish the Stillwater River
While you can fish the Stillwater most of the year, some seasons offer better chances for catching the most fish.
Spring
From April to June, snow melts and the Stillwater is anything but still.
The water flows trigger hatches of blue-winged olives, midges, and caddis to kick off the dry fly action.
Well-drifted attractors and searching patterns are highly effective during this season.
Summer
As runoff slows in July, water levels drop and become clearer each day, making it ideal for wade fishing.
Anglers can expect caddis and stonefly hatches that keep trout looking for surface and sub-surface activity.
Grasshoppers and ants are also great choices to lure the fish out of hiding.
Fall
In September and October, cooling temps cause trout to aggressively feed as winter approaches.
Streamer fishing can yield some of the largest fish of the season as browns, rainbows, and cutthroats pack on the pounds.
During this season, anglers can expect to see the Beartooth Mountains capped with snow as they fish.
Species of Fish in the Stillwater River
With the help of one of our Montana fly fishing guides, anglers may catch brown trout that exceed 20 inches. These powerful fish lie in deep buckets and behind boulders, ready to crush a well-placed streamer.
Where We Fish Montana’s Stillwater River
The Stillwater offers unique opportunities and challenges for anglers of all levels.
Here’s where our guides fish:
Nye, MT to Yellowstone River Confluence
While the Stillwater is fast it is not nearly as gradient as the Boulder. Many people refer to Stillwater as a bigger Boulder river.
There are longer runs, great pocket water, cut banks, and large pools.
I am an inexperienced fly fisherman, and my husband is fairly experienced, and we both had the best day with Tucker! We caught TONS of fish.
Tucker was a patient teacher and so much fun! We will definitely be fishing with Yellowstone Fly Fishing Company again next summer!
- Tess G.
Fly Fishing Trip Reviews
6 of us had an amazing day with Cummings and Johnny.
Only a couple of us had ever fly fished before but after some quick coaching we were all catching fish.
Combined with spectacular views, wildlife, hot springs... we could not have asked for a better day!
- Dave D.
We had a wonderful experience with YFFC. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable. They provided all the necessary equipment.
They taught even the least experienced members of our group to fly fish.
Everyone caught multiple fish in a beautiful setting. Would definitely use them again.