Missouri River — Below Fort Randall
Gregory / Charles Mix Co. · 59 mi · Class I
229CFS/ 8.40 ft
Below Optimal
→Stable
Optimal: 15000–40000 CFS · USGS #06452000
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
59 mi
Length
Class I
Difficulty
15000–40000 cfs
Optimal
24,000 cfs
Avg Flow
21,600 cfs
Hist. Median
#06452000
USGS Gauge
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Missouri National Recreational River

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows this 59-mile reach of cold, clear tailwater below Fort Randall Dam. The dam-released water creates world-class walleye and paddlefish habitat. Wide sandbars, cottonwood galleries, and virtually no development make this one of the most pristine stretches of the Missouri anywhere.

Trip sections
Fort Randall Dam to Running Water — 30 mi, cold tailwater, big sandbars
Running Water to Niobrara confluence — 29 mi, wider river, island camping
Outfitters
Missouri River Expeditions
Multi-day guided trips, canoe and kayak rentals
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.