Shields River below South Fork Shields River near Wilsall

Why this score

• Wind — 19 mph — stay off open water-47

We don't have launch notes for this one

This page is built from the USGS gauge at this location, so the flow and weather are real — but we haven't verified where to put in, what the hazards are, or whether this stretch is legal or sensible to paddle. We'd rather say that than invent it. The links below are where to find out.

We also don't have a verified safe-flow range here, so the Paddle Score reflects weather only. Judge the flow number against local knowledge, not against our score.

Do your own homework

We show you live conditions. For local knowledge — where to put in, what the hazards are, whether it's worth the drive — here's where paddlers actually talk about this water. We don't vet these sources; check the dates and judge for yourself.

• Paddler discussion on Reddit ↗

  Trip reports and local warnings, straight from the source

• Search American Whitewater ↗

  Rapid classifications and gauge-linked run descriptions

• Satellite view and access roads ↗

  Check parking, put-ins, and what the banks actually look like

• Video from this water ↗

  The fastest way to see the character of a run before you drive

• USGS gauge 06192978 ↗

  Full hydrograph, historical flows, and station metadata

Nearby water

• Musselshell River near Martinsdale24 mi
• Shields River near Livingston30 mi
• Boulder River at Big Timber35 mi
• Musselshell River at Harlowton36 mi
• Yellowstone River near Livingston40 mi
• East Gallatin River above Water Reclamation Fa near Bozeman41 mi