South Dakota · Unknown Co.

Missouri River

★ Wild & Scenic🏞 National Park

 · 245 mi · Class 

Optimal:  CFS · USGS #06453020

—CFS

25.46 ft gauge height

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Avg flow: 0 cfsHist. median: 0 cfsUSGS #06453020

National Wild & Scenic River · Designated Water Trail · National Park Service

About

Cold tailwater flows from Fort Randall Dam push 24,000 CFS through 59 miles of the Missouri River between Gregory and Charles Mix counties in South Dakota. Designated as Missouri National Recreational River in 1991, this free-flowing stretch runs optimal between 15,000–40,000 CFS on gauge 06452000. The upper 30 miles from Fort Randall Dam to Running Water offer cold tailwater conditions with expansive sandbars for camping. Below Running Water, the river widens across 29 miles to its confluence with the Niobrara, creating numerous islands suitable for overnight stops. Missouri River Expeditions operates guided trips along this section of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, where paddlers work with substantial current but no technical rapids — all Class I water that moves fast enough to cover distance efficiently.

Solunar Fishing Activity

🌒

Waxing Crescent

15% illumination

Poor

★ Moon overhead
10:07 AM

Moonrise
2:27 PM

Moonset
5:46 AM

★ Moon underfoot
10:07 PM

Next full moon: May 3111 days

10-Year Flow Patterns

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Your Optimal Range

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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.

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