Big Sheep Creek
Dell, Montana
Free — you'll pick up right here.
Conditions: Blocked
for canoeing, todayAn agency closure order is in effect for this area; weather is good
2 factors · 2 sources
Newest 4 h ago · oldest 4 h
problem: Agency alerts
9 active alerts in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest; most severe: Pallet Prohibition Order Butte Ranger District
USFSPosted Jan 31, 2025 · checked 4 h ago
clear: Weather
Clouds, high 67°F / low 39°F, 0% precip — 90/100 for canoeing
OpenWeather4 h ago
Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.
Why you'll love it
River facts
- Water
- Flows year-round
- Average flow
- 107 cfs
- Average current
- 1.5 ft/s
- Gradient
- 35.6 ft/mi
- Drainage area
- 293 sq mi
Long-term averages modeled by USGS (NHDPlus HR), not today's conditions. Check a gauge before you go.
Here's your day on the water, mapped
Big Sheep Creek
Suggested plan · check conditions before you go
Photos
Directions & GPX
Permits & access
- Managing agency
- Forest Service
About this water
Big Sheep Creek is a 22-mile paddling stretch near Dell, Montana. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 107 cfs and a gradient of about 35.6 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
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Keep exploring — more water worth the drive
Photo: myself, CC BY-SA 2.5 (via Wikimedia Commons)Red Rock River
~17 min drive
Red Rock River is a 50-mile paddling stretch near Lima, Montana. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 592 cfs and a gradient of about 19.3 feet per mile.
Lyons Bridge Boating Site
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Montana.
Photo: Mike Cline, Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)Beaverhead River
~57 min drive
Beaverhead River is a 0.2-mile paddling stretch near Dillon, Montana. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 837 cfs.
Photo: BLMIdaho, Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)Lemhi River
~1h 3m drive
Lemhi River is a 28-mile paddling stretch near Leadore, Idaho. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 138 cfs and a gradient of about 27.6 feet per mile.
Photo: G. Thomas at English Wikipedia, Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)Little Lost River
~1h 24m drive
Little Lost River is a 48-mile paddling stretch near Howe, Idaho. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 224 cfs and a gradient of about 25.4 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Junction Creek
~23 min drive
Junction Creek is a 18-mile paddling stretch near Lima, Montana. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 38 cfs and a gradient of about 44.0 feet per mile.
Sage Creek
~25 min drive
Sage Creek is a 37-mile paddling stretch near Dillon, Montana. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 60 cfs and a gradient of about 46.3 feet per mile.
Medicine Lodge Creek
~33 min drive
Medicine Lodge Creek is a 33-mile paddling stretch near Dillon, Montana. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 58 cfs and a gradient of about 54.3 feet per mile.
Hawley Creek
~39 min drive
Hawley Creek is a 11-mile paddling stretch near Leadore, Idaho. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 32 cfs and a gradient of about 91.1 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Mud Creek
~42 min drive
Mud Creek is an 8.8-mile paddling stretch near Leadore, Idaho. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 39 cfs and a gradient of about 28.0 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
