Niobrara River

Type: Freestone river, Nebraska (West)
Designation: Designated trout water
USGS gauges: 4 live
Guides: None listed
Shops: None listed

Today on the Niobrara River

Good: Good conditions: fish normally

Flow now: 915 ft³/s
Vs normal for Nov 5: Above normal
Water temp: 50.9°F (10.5°C)
Trend: Steady over 24 h
Last reading: Nov 5, 4:45 PM CST

At Niobrara River near Sparks, Nebr. (USGS 06461500) · 1 of 4 gauges below Provisional USGS data

The Niobrara River is a freestone river in Nebraska, listed as Designated trout water by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (2026 Fishing Guide).

More about the Niobrara River

4 USGS gauges on the water report flow.

Updated 5 Nov 2026 · Sources: Trout Waters (streams where seines, baitfish dip nets and bait traps are unlawful), USGS Water Data

Representative photograph of similar water; not a photograph of this place. — Representative photograph, not this water.

Where it is

Niobrara River is a freestone river in Nebraska.

Flow now at 4 gauges

Niobrara River near Sparks, Nebr.

USGS 06461500 · NWS SPKN1

Good: Good conditions: fish normally

If you're fishing for trout here: 50.9°F now, 50.9°F at most in 24 hours: under the National Park Service's 68°F line (federal guidance; no Nebraska line found). National Park Service
Flow 915 ft³/s: above normal for Nov 5, over 81 years of USGS record. U.S. Geological Survey
Cold water, 50.9°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service
Below NWS action stage (official NWS category). That is not a statement that wading is safe. National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Carry a stream thermometer. Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature National Park Service

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 915 ft³/s
Gauge height: 2.87 ft
Water temp: 50.9°F (10.5°C)

Reading Nov 5, 4:45 PM CST · provisional USGS data

Above normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly
Latest: 915 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:45 PM CST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 5, 4:45 PM CST	915	2.87	50.9
Nov 5, 3:45 PM CST	939	2.89	50.7
Nov 5, 2:45 PM CST	962	2.91	50
Nov 5, 1:45 PM CST	950	2.9	48.9
Nov 5, 12:45 PM CST	939	2.89	47.8
Nov 5, 11:45 AM CST	962	2.91	47.1
Nov 5, 10:45 AM CST	974	2.92	46.4
Nov 5, 9:45 AM CST	962	2.91	45.9
Nov 5, 8:45 AM CST	962	2.91	45.7
Nov 5, 7:45 AM CST	962	2.91	45.9
Nov 5, 6:45 AM CST	950	2.9	46.2
Nov 5, 5:45 AM CST	962	2.91	46.6
Nov 5, 4:45 AM CST	962	2.91	46.8
Nov 5, 3:45 AM CST	962	2.91	47.1
Nov 5, 2:45 AM CST	962	2.91	47.3
Nov 5, 1:45 AM CST	962	2.91	47.5
Nov 5, 12:45 AM CST	962	2.91	47.8
Nov 4, 11:45 PM CST	974	2.92	48.2
Nov 4, 10:45 PM CST	962	2.91	48.6
Nov 4, 9:45 PM CST	974	2.92	48.9
Nov 4, 8:45 PM CST	974	2.92	49.6
Nov 4, 7:45 PM CST	974	2.92	50
Nov 4, 6:45 PM CST	974	2.92	49.8
Nov 4, 5:45 PM CST	962	2.91	49.6
Nov 4, 4:45 PM CST	962	2.91	49.8
Nov 4, 3:45 PM CST	985	2.93	50
Nov 4, 2:45 PM CST	962	2.91	49.5
Nov 4, 1:45 PM CST	962	2.91	48.4
Nov 4, 12:45 PM CST	997	2.94	47.8
Nov 4, 11:45 AM CST	950	2.9	47.7
Nov 4, 10:45 AM CST	962	2.91	46.9
Nov 4, 9:45 AM CST	1,010	2.95	46.8
Nov 4, 8:45 AM CST	1,020	2.96	46.8
Nov 4, 7:45 AM CST	985	2.93	46.9
Nov 4, 6:45 AM CST	997	2.94	47.1
Nov 4, 5:45 AM CST	1,010	2.95	47.1
Nov 4, 4:45 AM CST	1,020	2.96	47.3
Nov 4, 3:45 AM CST	1,010	2.95	47.7
Nov 4, 2:45 AM CST	1,020	2.96	48
Nov 4, 1:45 AM CST	985	2.93	48.2
Nov 4, 12:45 AM CST	1,010	2.95	48.6
Nov 3, 11:45 PM CST	1,020	2.96	48.9
Nov 3, 10:45 PM CST	1,010	2.95	49.1
Nov 3, 9:45 PM CST	1,040	2.98	49.5
Nov 3, 8:45 PM CST	1,020	2.96	49.8
Nov 3, 7:45 PM CST	1,020	2.96	50
Nov 3, 6:45 PM CST	1,040	2.98	50.2
Nov 3, 5:45 PM CST	1,020	2.96	50.5
Nov 3, 4:45 PM CST	1,040	2.98	50.9
Nov 3, 3:45 PM CST	1,030	2.97	51.1
Nov 3, 2:45 PM CST	1,030	2.97	51.1
Nov 3, 1:45 PM CST	1,080	3.01	51.1
Nov 3, 12:45 PM CST	1,040	2.98	51.1
Nov 3, 11:45 AM CST	1,060	2.99	50.9
Nov 3, 10:45 AM CST	1,020	2.96	51.1
Nov 3, 9:45 AM CST	1,040	2.98	51.3
Nov 3, 8:45 AM CST	1,080	3.01	51.4
Nov 3, 7:45 AM CST	1,040	2.98	52
Nov 3, 6:45 AM CST	1,070	3	52.5
Nov 3, 5:45 AM CST	1,040	2.98	52.9
Nov 3, 4:45 AM CST	1,020	2.96	53.4
Nov 3, 3:45 AM CST	1,070	3	54
Nov 3, 2:45 AM CST	1,040	2.98	54.3
Nov 3, 1:45 AM CST	1,030	2.97	54.9
Nov 3, 12:45 AM CST	1,060	2.99	55.2
Nov 2, 11:45 PM CST	1,040	2.98	55.6
Nov 2, 10:45 PM CST	1,020	2.96	55.9
Nov 2, 9:45 PM CST	1,030	2.97	56.3
Nov 2, 8:45 PM CST	1,020	2.96	56.7
Nov 2, 7:45 PM CST	995	2.94	57
Nov 2, 6:45 PM CST	1,010	2.95	57.4
Nov 2, 5:45 PM CST	971	2.92	57.6
Nov 2, 4:45 PM CST	982	2.93	57.9
Nov 2, 3:45 PM CST	1,020	2.96	58.1
Nov 2, 2:45 PM CST	982	2.93	58.3
Nov 2, 1:45 PM CST	994	2.94	58.3
Nov 2, 12:45 PM CST	970	2.92	58.1
Nov 2, 11:45 AM CST	982	2.93	57.9
Nov 2, 10:45 AM CST	1,010	2.95	57.9
Nov 2, 9:45 AM CST	1,030	2.97	57.6
Nov 2, 8:45 AM CST	982	2.93	57.4
Nov 2, 7:45 AM CST	982	2.93	57.2
Nov 2, 6:45 AM CST	994	2.94	57.2
Nov 2, 5:45 AM CST	1,010	2.95	57.2
Nov 2, 4:45 AM CST	994	2.94	57
Nov 2, 3:45 AM CST	982	2.93	57
Nov 2, 2:45 AM CST	935	2.89	56.8
Nov 2, 1:45 AM CST	946	2.9	56.8
Nov 2, 12:45 AM CST	946	2.9	56.8
Nov 1, 11:45 PM CST	946	2.9	57
Nov 1, 10:45 PM CST	923	2.88	57.2
Nov 1, 9:45 PM CST	934	2.89	57.4
Nov 1, 8:45 PM CST	946	2.9	57.6
Nov 1, 7:45 PM CST	923	2.88	57.7
Nov 1, 6:45 PM CST	923	2.88	57.9
Nov 1, 5:45 PM CST	923	2.88	58.1
Nov 1, 4:45 PM CST	934	2.89	58.3
Nov 1, 3:45 PM CST	957	2.91	58.1
Nov 1, 2:45 PM CST	934	2.89	57.7
Nov 1, 1:45 PM CST	945	2.9	57.4
Nov 1, 12:45 PM CST	934	2.89	57
Nov 1, 11:45 AM CST	934	2.89	56.5
Nov 1, 10:45 AM CST	922	2.88	55.9
Nov 1, 9:45 AM CST	922	2.88	55.4
Nov 1, 8:45 AM CST	934	2.89	55.2
Nov 1, 7:45 AM CST	933	2.89	55.2
Nov 1, 6:45 AM CST	945	2.9	55.2
Nov 1, 5:45 AM CST	933	2.89	55.4
Nov 1, 4:45 AM CST	945	2.9	55.4
Nov 1, 3:45 AM CST	957	2.91	55.6
Nov 1, 2:45 AM CST	945	2.9	55.6
Nov 1, 1:45 AM CST	945	2.9	55.8
Nov 1, 1:45 AM CDT	945	2.9	55.8
Nov 1, 12:45 AM CDT	921	2.88	55.9
Oct 31, 11:45 PM CDT	933	2.89	56.3
Oct 31, 10:45 PM CDT	921	2.88	56.5
Oct 31, 9:45 PM CDT	933	2.89	56.7
Oct 31, 8:45 PM CDT	944	2.9	57
Oct 31, 7:45 PM CDT	944	2.9	57.4
Oct 31, 6:45 PM CDT	933	2.89	57.7
Oct 31, 5:45 PM CDT	909	2.87	57.9
Oct 31, 4:45 PM CDT	932	2.89	57.4
Oct 31, 3:45 PM CDT	921	2.88	57
Oct 31, 2:45 PM CDT	956	2.91	56.5
Oct 31, 1:45 PM CDT	944	2.9	56.1
Oct 31, 12:45 PM CDT	955	2.91	55
Oct 31, 11:45 AM CDT	921	2.88	54.3
Oct 31, 10:45 AM CDT	955	2.91	53.6
Oct 31, 9:45 AM CDT	944	2.9	53.2
Oct 31, 8:45 AM CDT	944	2.9	53.2
Oct 31, 7:45 AM CDT	920	2.88	53.4
Oct 31, 6:45 AM CDT	955	2.91	53.4
Oct 31, 5:45 AM CDT	943	2.9	53.4
Oct 31, 4:45 AM CDT	955	2.91	53.4
Oct 31, 3:45 AM CDT	943	2.9	53.4
Oct 31, 2:45 AM CDT	943	2.9	53.2
Oct 31, 1:45 AM CDT	931	2.89	53.2
Oct 31, 12:45 AM CDT	978	2.93	53.2
Oct 30, 11:45 PM CDT	943	2.9	53.2
Oct 30, 10:45 PM CDT	955	2.91	53.2
Oct 30, 9:45 PM CDT	966	2.92	53.2
Oct 30, 8:45 PM CDT	954	2.91	53.4
Oct 30, 7:45 PM CDT	978	2.93	53.4
Oct 30, 6:45 PM CDT	966	2.92	53.2
Oct 30, 5:45 PM CDT	966	2.92	53.1
Oct 30, 4:45 PM CDT	954	2.91	53.1
Oct 30, 3:45 PM CDT	978	2.93	52.9
Oct 30, 2:45 PM CDT	954	2.91	52.3
Oct 30, 1:45 PM CDT	954	2.91	51.6
Oct 30, 12:45 PM CDT	954	2.91	51.3
Oct 30, 11:45 AM CDT	931	2.89	50.9
Oct 30, 10:45 AM CDT	954	2.91	50.4
Oct 30, 9:45 AM CDT	954	2.91	50.2
Oct 30, 8:45 AM CDT	965	2.92	50
Oct 30, 7:45 AM CDT	989	2.94	50
Oct 30, 6:45 AM CDT	942	2.9	50
Oct 30, 5:45 AM CDT	965	2.92	50
Oct 30, 4:45 AM CDT	977	2.93	50.2
Oct 30, 3:45 AM CDT	977	2.93	50.4
Oct 30, 2:45 AM CDT	965	2.92	50.9
Oct 30, 1:45 AM CDT	977	2.93	51.4
Oct 30, 12:45 AM CDT	965	2.92	52
Oct 29, 11:45 PM CDT	953	2.91	52.7
Oct 29, 10:45 PM CDT	941	2.9	53.4
Oct 29, 9:45 PM CDT	965	2.92	54.1
Oct 29, 8:45 PM CDT	941	2.9	54.7
Oct 29, 7:45 PM CDT	965	2.92	55
Oct 29, 6:45 PM CDT	953	2.91	55.2
Oct 29, 5:45 PM CDT	941	2.9	55.2

What this level means general guidance

Normal for Nov 5: 612–839 ft³/s (middle half of 81 years of record). Now: 915 ft³/s, above normal.

Above normal for this date. 915 ft³/s is between the 75th and 90th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 81 years of record (1946–2026): 10th 555, 25th 612, median 752, 75th 839, 90th 936 ft³/s.

Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 516 ft³/s, highest 1,150 ft³/s.

Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).

Steady over 24 hours (−4.9% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.

NWS observed 2.9 ft stage, 910 ft³/s at Nov 5, 3:45 PM CST (NWS gauge SPKN1; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

Action stage: 5 ft
Minor flood: 6 ft
Moderate flood: 12 ft
Major flood: 16 ft

Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Federal guidance. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission publishes no water-temperature line for trout anglers that we found. The lines below are the National Park Service's, federal guidance, not a Nebraska rule:

Under the federal 68°F line. Water 50.9°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 50.9°F. That is under the 68°F at which the National Park Service, at Grand Teton National Park, recommends anglers stop fishing in the afternoon (“cease fishing at 2 p.m. when water temperatures are likely to exceed 68°F”). Water warms through the afternoon, so check again later in the day: “Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature.”
High water temperatures prompt fishing advisory in Grand Teton National Park (29 July 2022) (National Park Service)

Species

This gauge is on our page for Niobrara River, but no agency page we read lists its species.

Safety

Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)
Cold water. Water 50.9°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

Niobrara River at Mariaville, Nebr.

USGS 06463720 · NWS NISN1

Limited data: Normal flow for the date: no water temperature here

Flow 1,100 ft³/s: below normal for Nov 5, over 14 years of USGS record. U.S. Geological Survey
No water-temperature reading at this gauge: take a stream thermometer.
Falling: discharge down 20.3% in 24 hours (1,380 to 1,100 ft³/s). Our rule of thumb: more than 10% (or 0.2 ft) in 24 hours, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage (official NWS category). That is not a statement that wading is safe. National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Carry a stream thermometer. Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature National Park Service

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 1,100 ft³/s
Gauge height: 3 ft

Reading Nov 5, 4:45 PM CST · provisional USGS data

Below normal for Nov 5 Falling · 24 h Below NWS action stage

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly
NWS action stage (5,000 ft³/s): above the range shown
Latest: 1,100 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:45 PM CST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)
Nov 5, 4:45 PM CST	1,100	3
Nov 5, 3:45 PM CST	1,100	3
Nov 5, 2:45 PM CST	1,130	3.01
Nov 5, 1:45 PM CST	1,020	2.97
Nov 5, 12:45 PM CST	1,240	3.05
Nov 5, 11:00 AM CST	1,270	3.07
Nov 5, 10:00 AM CST	1,280	3.08
Nov 5, 9:00 AM CST	1,280	3.08
Nov 5, 8:00 AM CST	1,290	3.09
Nov 5, 7:00 AM CST	1,340	3.12
Nov 5, 6:00 AM CST	1,310	3.1
Nov 5, 5:00 AM CST	1,340	3.12
Nov 5, 4:00 AM CST	1,320	3.11
Nov 5, 3:00 AM CST	1,290	3.09
Nov 5, 1:45 AM CST	1,280	3.08
Nov 5, 12:45 AM CST	1,290	3.09
Nov 4, 11:45 PM CST	1,250	3.06
Nov 4, 10:45 PM CST	1,290	3.09
Nov 4, 9:30 PM CST	1,270	3.07
Nov 4, 8:00 PM CST	1,340	3.12
Nov 4, 7:00 PM CST	1,380	3.15
Nov 4, 6:00 PM CST	1,420	3.18
Nov 4, 5:00 PM CST	1,380	3.15
Nov 4, 2:45 PM CST	1,380	3.15
Nov 4, 1:45 PM CST	1,450	3.2
Nov 4, 12:45 PM CST	1,440	3.19
Nov 4, 11:00 AM CST	1,450	3.2
Nov 4, 10:00 AM CST	1,530	3.25
Nov 4, 7:30 AM CST	1,560	3.27
Nov 4, 6:30 AM CST	1,550	3.26
Nov 4, 5:30 AM CST	1,530	3.25
Nov 4, 4:30 AM CST	1,500	3.23
Nov 4, 3:30 AM CST	1,550	3.26
Nov 4, 2:15 AM CST	1,560	3.27
Nov 4, 1:15 AM CST	1,580	3.28
Nov 4, 12:15 AM CST	1,560	3.27
Nov 3, 11:15 PM CST	1,530	3.25
Nov 3, 10:15 PM CST	1,550	3.26
Nov 3, 9:15 PM CST	1,530	3.25
Nov 3, 8:15 PM CST	1,560	3.27
Nov 3, 7:15 PM CST	1,580	3.28
Nov 3, 6:15 PM CST	1,600	3.29
Nov 3, 5:15 PM CST	1,600	3.29
Nov 3, 4:15 PM CST	1,600	3.29
Nov 3, 3:15 PM CST	1,560	3.27
Nov 3, 2:15 PM CST	1,560	3.27
Nov 3, 1:15 PM CST	1,580	3.28
Nov 3, 12:15 PM CST	1,550	3.26
Nov 3, 11:15 AM CST	1,500	3.23
Nov 3, 10:15 AM CST	1,480	3.22
Nov 3, 9:15 AM CST	1,530	3.25
Nov 3, 8:15 AM CST	1,560	3.27
Nov 3, 7:15 AM CST	1,560	3.27
Nov 3, 6:15 AM CST	1,550	3.26
Nov 3, 5:15 AM CST	1,580	3.28
Nov 3, 4:15 AM CST	1,550	3.26
Nov 3, 3:15 AM CST	1,510	3.24
Nov 3, 2:15 AM CST	1,470	3.21
Nov 3, 1:15 AM CST	1,480	3.22
Nov 3, 12:15 AM CST	1,480	3.22
Nov 2, 11:15 PM CST	1,470	3.21
Nov 2, 10:15 PM CST	1,470	3.21
Nov 2, 9:15 PM CST	1,480	3.22
Nov 2, 8:15 PM CST	1,510	3.24
Nov 2, 7:15 PM CST	1,470	3.21
Nov 2, 6:15 PM CST	1,510	3.24
Nov 2, 5:15 PM CST	1,500	3.23
Nov 2, 4:15 PM CST	1,530	3.25
Nov 2, 3:15 PM CST	1,560	3.27
Nov 2, 2:15 PM CST	1,550	3.26
Nov 2, 1:15 PM CST	1,580	3.28
Nov 2, 12:15 PM CST	1,600	3.29
Nov 2, 11:15 AM CST	1,650	3.32
Nov 2, 10:15 AM CST	1,660	3.33
Nov 2, 9:15 AM CST	1,680	3.34
Nov 2, 8:15 AM CST	1,660	3.33
Nov 2, 7:15 AM CST	1,660	3.33
Nov 2, 6:15 AM CST	1,650	3.32
Nov 2, 5:15 AM CST	1,630	3.31
Nov 2, 4:15 AM CST	1,630	3.31
Nov 2, 3:15 AM CST	1,630	3.31
Nov 2, 2:15 AM CST	1,600	3.29
Nov 2, 1:15 AM CST	1,580	3.28
Nov 2, 12:15 AM CST	1,580	3.28
Nov 1, 11:15 PM CST	1,600	3.29
Nov 1, 9:45 PM CST	1,560	3.27
Nov 1, 8:45 PM CST	1,580	3.28
Nov 1, 7:45 PM CST	1,550	3.26
Nov 1, 6:45 PM CST	1,510	3.24
Nov 1, 5:30 PM CST	1,510	3.24
Nov 1, 4:30 PM CST	1,510	3.24
Nov 1, 3:30 PM CST	1,500	3.23
Nov 1, 2:30 PM CST	1,550	3.26
Nov 1, 1:30 PM CST	1,550	3.26
Nov 1, 12:30 PM CST	1,530	3.25
Nov 1, 11:30 AM CST	1,510	3.24
Nov 1, 10:15 AM CST	1,480	3.22
Nov 1, 9:15 AM CST	1,480	3.22
Nov 1, 8:15 AM CST	1,470	3.21
Nov 1, 7:15 AM CST	1,470	3.21
Nov 1, 6:00 AM CST	1,480	3.22
Nov 1, 4:45 AM CST	1,450	3.2
Nov 1, 3:30 AM CST	1,440	3.19
Nov 1, 2:15 AM CST	1,440	3.19
Nov 1, 1:15 AM CST	1,390	3.16
Nov 1, 12:00 AM CDT	1,340	3.12
Oct 31, 11:00 PM CDT	1,340	3.12
Oct 31, 9:30 PM CDT	1,350	3.13
Oct 31, 8:30 PM CDT	1,380	3.15
Oct 31, 7:30 PM CDT	1,390	3.16
Oct 31, 6:30 PM CDT	1,390	3.16
Oct 31, 5:15 PM CDT	1,390	3.16
Oct 31, 4:15 PM CDT	1,440	3.19
Oct 31, 3:15 PM CDT	1,420	3.18
Oct 31, 2:15 PM CDT	1,450	3.2
Oct 31, 1:15 PM CDT	1,450	3.2
Oct 31, 12:15 PM CDT	1,480	3.22
Oct 31, 11:15 AM CDT	1,470	3.21
Oct 31, 10:00 AM CDT	1,410	3.17
Oct 31, 8:45 AM CDT	1,420	3.18
Oct 31, 7:45 AM CDT	1,440	3.19
Oct 31, 6:00 AM CDT	1,450	3.2
Oct 31, 4:30 AM CDT	1,450	3.2
Oct 31, 3:30 AM CDT	1,420	3.18
Oct 31, 2:30 AM CDT	1,390	3.16
Oct 31, 12:45 AM CDT	1,360	3.14
Oct 30, 11:45 PM CDT	1,380	3.15
Oct 30, 10:30 PM CDT	1,410	3.17
Oct 30, 9:30 PM CDT	1,450	3.2
Oct 30, 8:30 PM CDT	1,450	3.2
Oct 30, 7:30 PM CDT	1,390	3.16
Oct 30, 6:15 PM CDT	1,390	3.16
Oct 30, 5:00 PM CDT	1,470	3.21
Oct 30, 3:45 PM CDT	1,450	3.2
Oct 30, 2:15 PM CDT	1,410	3.17
Oct 30, 12:30 PM CDT	1,410	3.17
Oct 30, 11:30 AM CDT	1,410	3.17
Oct 30, 9:45 AM CDT	1,350	3.13
Oct 30, 7:30 AM CDT	1,280	3.08
Oct 30, 6:15 AM CDT	1,310	3.1
Oct 30, 4:45 AM CDT	1,320	3.11
Oct 30, 3:30 AM CDT	1,310	3.1
Oct 30, 2:30 AM CDT	1,310	3.1
Oct 30, 1:00 AM CDT	1,340	3.12
Oct 29, 11:30 PM CDT	1,320	3.11
Oct 29, 9:45 PM CDT	1,320	3.11
Oct 29, 7:30 PM CDT	1,320	3.11
Oct 29, 6:15 PM CDT	1,320	3.11
Oct 29, 5:45 PM CDT	1,320	3.11

What this level means general guidance

Normal for Nov 5: 1,180–1,650 ft³/s (middle half of 14 years of record). Now: 1,100 ft³/s, below normal.

Below normal for this date. 1,100 ft³/s is between the 10th and 25th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 14 years of record (2013–2026): 10th 764, 25th 1,180, median 1,290, 75th 1,650, 90th 2,100 ft³/s.

Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 691 ft³/s, highest 2,250 ft³/s.

Falling over 24 hours: discharge down 20.3%, from 1,380 to 1,100 ft³/s. Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.

NWS observed 3 ft stage at Nov 5, 3:45 PM CST (NWS gauge NISN1; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

Action stage: 5.5 ft
Minor flood: 6 ft
Moderate flood: 7 ft
Major flood: 9 ft

Forecasts are not available. Only observed stages are available for this point.

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission publishes no water-temperature line for trout anglers that we found. The lines below are the National Park Service's, federal guidance, not a Nebraska rule: 68°F.

Species

This gauge is on our page for Niobrara River, but no agency page we read lists its species.

Safety

Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

Niobrara River near Verdel, Nebr.

USGS 06465500 · NWS VRDN1

Caution: High water: fish the edges; wading risky

Flow 2,770 ft³/s: much above normal (over the 90th percentile) for Nov 5, over 70 years of USGS record. U.S. Geological Survey
If you're fishing for trout here: 43.5°F now, 47.8°F at most in 24 hours: under the National Park Service's 68°F line (federal guidance; no Nebraska line found). National Park Service
Below NWS action stage (official NWS category). That is not a statement that wading is safe. National Weather Service
Cold water, 43.5°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Fish the softer water along the banks. During periods of high water, fish move towards the banks to find calmer water and lower velocities Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Don't wade where you can't see the bottom. Wading and boating should be avoided if waters are running high and muddy and the streambed is not visible Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Or fish a lake instead. If stream conditions are not favorable, consider fishing at a lake Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 2,770 ft³/s
Gauge height: 3.78 ft
Water temp: 43.5°F (6.4°C)

Reading Nov 5, 7:15 AM CST · provisional USGS data

Much above normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly
Latest: 2,770 ft³/s at Nov 5, 7:15 AM CST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 5, 7:15 AM CST	2,770	3.78	43.5
Nov 5, 6:15 AM CST	2,770	3.78	43.9
Nov 5, 5:15 AM CST	2,770	3.78	44.1
Nov 5, 4:15 AM CST	2,720	3.77	44.6
Nov 5, 3:15 AM CST	2,660	3.76	45
Nov 5, 2:15 AM CST	2,610	3.75	45.3
Nov 5, 1:15 AM CST	2,560	3.74	45.7
Nov 5, 12:15 AM CST	2,510	3.73	46
Nov 4, 11:15 PM CST	2,610	3.75	46.4
Nov 4, 10:15 PM CST	2,660	3.76	46.8
Nov 4, 9:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	47.1
Nov 4, 8:15 PM CST	2,660	3.76	47.3
Nov 4, 7:15 PM CST	2,610	3.75	47.5
Nov 4, 6:15 PM CST	2,610	3.75	47.7
Nov 4, 5:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	47.8
Nov 4, 4:15 PM CST	2,770	3.78	47.7
Nov 4, 3:15 PM CST	2,770	3.78	47.7
Nov 4, 2:15 PM CST	2,770	3.78	47.3
Nov 4, 1:15 PM CST	2,770	3.78	47.1
Nov 4, 12:15 PM CST	2,880	3.8	46.4
Nov 4, 11:15 AM CST	2,880	3.8	46.2
Nov 4, 10:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	46
Nov 4, 9:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	45.9
Nov 4, 8:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	45.9
Nov 4, 7:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	45.9
Nov 4, 6:15 AM CST	2,880	3.8	46.2
Nov 4, 5:15 AM CST	2,880	3.8	46.6
Nov 4, 4:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	47.1
Nov 4, 3:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	47.7
Nov 4, 2:15 AM CST	2,990	3.82	47.8
Nov 4, 1:15 AM CST	2,990	3.82	48.2
Nov 4, 12:15 AM CST	2,990	3.82	48.4
Nov 3, 11:15 PM CST	2,880	3.8	48.7
Nov 3, 10:15 PM CST	2,820	3.79	49.1
Nov 3, 9:15 PM CST	2,820	3.79	49.3
Nov 3, 8:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	49.6
Nov 3, 7:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	50
Nov 3, 6:15 PM CST	2,770	3.78	50.4
Nov 3, 5:15 PM CST	2,820	3.79	51.1
Nov 3, 4:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	51.6
Nov 3, 3:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	52
Nov 3, 2:15 PM CST	2,660	3.76	52.5
Nov 3, 1:15 PM CST	2,560	3.74	52.7
Nov 3, 12:15 PM CST	2,510	3.73	52.9
Nov 3, 11:15 AM CST	2,510	3.73	53.4
Nov 3, 10:15 AM CST	2,410	3.71	53.6
Nov 3, 9:15 AM CST	2,410	3.71	54
Nov 3, 8:15 AM CST	2,410	3.71	54.7
Nov 3, 7:15 AM CST	2,410	3.71	55.2
Nov 3, 6:15 AM CST	2,460	3.72	56.1
Nov 3, 5:15 AM CST	2,510	3.73	56.7
Nov 3, 4:15 AM CST	2,560	3.74	57.4
Nov 3, 3:15 AM CST	2,610	3.75	58.3
Nov 3, 2:15 AM CST	2,560	3.74	59
Nov 3, 1:15 AM CST	2,460	3.72	59.7
Nov 3, 12:15 AM CST	2,460	3.72	60.3
Nov 2, 11:15 PM CST	2,410	3.71	60.8
Nov 2, 10:15 PM CST	2,360	3.7	61.3
Nov 2, 9:15 PM CST	2,320	3.69	61.9
Nov 2, 8:15 PM CST	2,320	3.69	62.4
Nov 2, 7:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	63
Nov 2, 6:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	63.7
Nov 2, 5:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	64.6
Nov 2, 4:15 PM CST	2,320	3.69	65.7
Nov 2, 3:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	66.4
Nov 2, 2:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	66.6
Nov 2, 1:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	66.6
Nov 2, 12:15 PM CST	2,320	3.69	65.3
Nov 2, 11:15 AM CST	2,360	3.7	63.5
Nov 2, 10:15 AM CST	2,360	3.7	61.5
Nov 2, 9:15 AM CST	2,360	3.7	60.3
Nov 2, 8:15 AM CST	2,320	3.69	59.7
Nov 2, 7:15 AM CST	2,230	3.67	59.4
Nov 2, 6:15 AM CST	2,190	3.66	59.2
Nov 2, 5:15 AM CST	2,140	3.65	58.8
Nov 2, 4:15 AM CST	2,060	3.63	58.6
Nov 2, 3:15 AM CST	1,980	3.61	58.5
Nov 2, 2:15 AM CST	1,900	3.59	58.5
Nov 2, 1:15 AM CST	1,830	3.57	58.3
Nov 2, 12:15 AM CST	1,830	3.57	58.5
Nov 1, 11:15 PM CST	1,830	3.57	58.5
Nov 1, 10:15 PM CST	1,760	3.55	58.5
Nov 1, 9:15 PM CST	1,720	3.54	58.6
Nov 1, 8:15 PM CST	1,760	3.55	58.8
Nov 1, 7:15 PM CST	1,720	3.54	59.2
Nov 1, 6:15 PM CST	1,790	3.56	59.9
Nov 1, 5:15 PM CST	1,760	3.55	60.4
Nov 1, 4:15 PM CST	1,760	3.55	61
Nov 1, 3:15 PM CST	1,790	3.56	61.2
Nov 1, 2:15 PM CST	1,830	3.57	61.2
Nov 1, 1:15 PM CST	1,830	3.57	60.8
Nov 1, 12:15 PM CST	1,870	3.58	59.7
Nov 1, 11:15 AM CST	1,830	3.57	58.8
Nov 1, 10:15 AM CST	1,900	3.59	57.9
Nov 1, 9:15 AM CST	1,900	3.59	57.4
Nov 1, 8:15 AM CST	1,870	3.58	57.2
Nov 1, 7:15 AM CST	1,900	3.59	57.2
Nov 1, 6:15 AM CST	1,870	3.58	57.4
Nov 1, 5:15 AM CST	1,830	3.57	57.4
Nov 1, 4:15 AM CST	1,760	3.55	57.4
Nov 1, 3:15 AM CST	1,720	3.54	57.4
Nov 1, 2:15 AM CST	1,690	3.53	57.4
Nov 1, 1:15 AM CST	1,650	3.52	57.6
Nov 1, 1:15 AM CDT	1,650	3.52	57.6
Nov 1, 12:15 AM CDT	1,690	3.53	57.7
Oct 31, 11:15 PM CDT	1,690	3.53	57.9
Oct 31, 10:15 PM CDT	1,720	3.54	58.1
Oct 31, 9:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	58.3
Oct 31, 8:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	58.5
Oct 31, 7:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	58.6
Oct 31, 6:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	59
Oct 31, 5:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	59.2
Oct 31, 4:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	59.4
Oct 31, 3:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	59
Oct 31, 2:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	58.1
Oct 31, 1:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	57.9
Oct 31, 12:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	57.4
Oct 31, 11:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	56.8
Oct 31, 10:15 AM CDT	1,830	3.57	55.9
Oct 31, 9:15 AM CDT	1,790	3.56	55.4
Oct 31, 8:15 AM CDT	1,790	3.56	55.2
Oct 31, 7:15 AM CDT	1,720	3.54	55
Oct 31, 6:15 AM CDT	1,720	3.54	55
Oct 31, 5:15 AM CDT	1,690	3.53	54.9
Oct 31, 4:15 AM CDT	1,690	3.53	54.9
Oct 31, 3:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	54.7
Oct 31, 2:15 AM CDT	1,720	3.54	54.5
Oct 31, 1:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	54.3
Oct 31, 12:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	54.3
Oct 30, 11:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	54.1
Oct 30, 10:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	54.1
Oct 30, 9:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	54.1
Oct 30, 8:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	54.1
Oct 30, 7:15 PM CDT	1,690	3.53	54.1
Oct 30, 6:15 PM CDT	1,690	3.53	54.3
Oct 30, 5:15 PM CDT	1,690	3.53	54.3
Oct 30, 4:15 PM CDT	1,720	3.54	54.3
Oct 30, 3:15 PM CDT	1,720	3.54	54.5
Oct 30, 2:15 PM CDT	1,720	3.54	54.7
Oct 30, 1:15 PM CDT	1,720	3.54	54.3
Oct 30, 12:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	53.6
Oct 30, 11:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	52.2
Oct 30, 10:15 AM CDT	1,720	3.54	51.1
Oct 30, 9:15 AM CDT	1,690	3.53	50.4
Oct 30, 8:15 AM CDT	1,650	3.52	50.4
Oct 30, 7:15 AM CDT	1,650	3.52	50.4
Oct 30, 6:15 AM CDT	1,650	3.52	50.9
Oct 30, 5:15 AM CDT	1,690	3.53	51.6
Oct 30, 4:15 AM CDT	1,720	3.54	51.8
Oct 30, 3:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	52.3
Oct 30, 2:15 AM CDT	1,830	3.57	52.5
Oct 30, 1:15 AM CDT	1,940	3.6	53.1
Oct 30, 12:15 AM CDT	2,020	3.62	53.2
Oct 29, 11:15 PM CDT	2,060	3.63	53.8
Oct 29, 10:15 PM CDT	2,100	3.64	54.3
Oct 29, 9:15 PM CDT	2,100	3.64	55
Oct 29, 8:15 PM CDT	2,140	3.65	55.8
Oct 29, 7:15 PM CDT	2,140	3.65	56.7
Oct 29, 6:15 PM CDT	2,140	3.65	57.7
Oct 29, 5:30 PM CDT	2,140	3.65	58.3

What this level means general guidance

Normal for Nov 5: 1,400–1,960 ft³/s (middle half of 70 years of record). Now: 2,770 ft³/s, much above normal.

Much above normal for this date. 2,770 ft³/s is above the 90th percentile of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 70 years of record (1939–2026): 10th 1,200, 25th 1,400, median 1,610, 75th 1,960, 90th 2,220 ft³/s.

Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 482 ft³/s, highest 3,740 ft³/s.

Steady over 24 hours (−5.8% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.

NWS observed 3.77 ft stage, 1,730 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:32 PM CST (NWS gauge VRDN1; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

Action stage: 7 ft
Minor flood: 8 ft
Moderate flood: 9.5 ft
Major flood: 13 ft

Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Under the federal 68°F line. Water 43.5°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 47.8°F. That is under the 68°F at which the National Park Service, at Grand Teton National Park, recommends anglers stop fishing in the afternoon (“cease fishing at 2 p.m. when water temperatures are likely to exceed 68°F”). Water warms through the afternoon, so check again later in the day: “Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature.”
High water temperatures prompt fishing advisory in Grand Teton National Park (29 July 2022) (National Park Service)

Species

This gauge is on our page for Niobrara River, but no agency page we read lists its species.

Safety

Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)
Flow far above normal. Above the 90th percentile of daily mean flow for this date (USGS class “much above normal”), from 70 years of record. Expect higher, faster water than usual for the season.
hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) Statistics documentation (percentiles of daily mean discharge) (U.S. Geological Survey)
Cold water. Water 43.5°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

Niobrara River at Agate, Nebr.

USGS 06454100

Limited data: Temperature fine for trout: no flow comparison here

If you're fishing for trout here: 45.3°F now, 45.3°F at most in 24 hours: under the National Park Service's 68°F line (federal guidance; no Nebraska line found). National Park Service
This gauge publishes no current flow, so it is not compared with normal.
Cold water, 45.3°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Carry a stream thermometer. Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature National Park Service

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Gauge height: 6.43 ft
Water temp: 45.3°F (7.4°C)

No flow here now. USGS stopped publishing discharge at this gauge on Sep 29, 1991; it still reports what is shown. We found no other gauge on the same river that publishes flow.

Reading Nov 5, 3:15 PM MST · provisional USGS data

Steady · 24 h

Gauge height · last 7 days

Gauge height, about hourly
Latest: 6.43 ft at Nov 5, 3:15 PM MST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.

View data as a table

Gauge height, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 5, 3:15 PM MST	6.43	45.3
Nov 5, 2:15 PM MST	6.44	44.8
Nov 5, 1:15 PM MST	6.44	44.1
Nov 5, 12:15 PM MST	6.43	43.3
Nov 5, 11:15 AM MST	6.42	42.8
Nov 5, 10:15 AM MST	6.42	42.4
Nov 5, 9:15 AM MST	6.42	42.3
Nov 5, 8:15 AM MST	6.41	42.4
Nov 5, 7:15 AM MST	6.42	42.8
Nov 5, 6:15 AM MST	6.41	43.2
Nov 5, 5:15 AM MST	6.41	43.5
Nov 5, 4:15 AM MST	6.41	43.7
Nov 5, 3:15 AM MST	6.41	43.9
Nov 5, 2:15 AM MST	6.41	44.1
Nov 5, 1:15 AM MST	6.4	44.1
Nov 5, 12:15 AM MST	6.4	44.2
Nov 4, 11:15 PM MST	6.4	44.2
Nov 4, 10:15 PM MST	6.39	44.4
Nov 4, 9:15 PM MST	6.39	44.6
Nov 4, 8:15 PM MST	6.39	44.6
Nov 4, 7:15 PM MST	6.37	44.8
Nov 4, 6:15 PM MST	6.38	45
Nov 4, 5:15 PM MST	6.37	45
Nov 4, 4:15 PM MST	6.37	44.8
Nov 4, 3:15 PM MST	6.36	44.4
Nov 4, 2:15 PM MST	6.36	43.9
Nov 4, 1:15 PM MST	6.35	43.2
Nov 4, 12:15 PM MST	6.34	42.4
Nov 4, 11:15 AM MST	6.34	41.7
Nov 4, 10:15 AM MST	6.34	41.4
Nov 4, 9:15 AM MST	6.33	41.2
Nov 4, 8:15 AM MST	6.33	41.4
Nov 4, 7:15 AM MST	6.33	41.7
Nov 4, 6:15 AM MST	6.32	42.1
Nov 4, 5:15 AM MST	6.33	42.4
Nov 4, 4:15 AM MST	6.33	42.6
Nov 4, 3:15 AM MST	6.32	43
Nov 4, 2:15 AM MST	6.34	43.2
Nov 4, 1:15 AM MST	6.35	43.3
Nov 4, 12:15 AM MST	6.36	43.5
Nov 3, 11:15 PM MST	6.38	43.9
Nov 3, 10:15 PM MST	6.39	44.1
Nov 3, 9:15 PM MST	6.4	44.4
Nov 3, 8:15 PM MST	6.4	44.8
Nov 3, 7:15 PM MST	6.42	45.1
Nov 3, 6:15 PM MST	6.43	45.5
Nov 3, 5:15 PM MST	6.44	45.7
Nov 3, 4:15 PM MST	6.45	45.7
Nov 3, 3:15 PM MST	6.46	45.3
Nov 3, 2:15 PM MST	6.46	45
Nov 3, 1:15 PM MST	6.46	44.2
Nov 3, 12:15 PM MST	6.47	43.7
Nov 3, 11:15 AM MST	6.47	43.2
Nov 3, 10:15 AM MST	6.47	42.8
Nov 3, 9:15 AM MST	6.46	42.6
Nov 3, 8:15 AM MST	6.46	42.8
Nov 3, 7:15 AM MST	6.45	43.2
Nov 3, 6:15 AM MST	6.45	43.5
Nov 3, 5:15 AM MST	6.44	43.7
Nov 3, 4:15 AM MST	6.44	44.1
Nov 3, 3:15 AM MST	6.41	44.2
Nov 3, 2:15 AM MST	6.4	44.6
Nov 3, 1:15 AM MST	6.38	45
Nov 3, 12:15 AM MST	6.35	45.3
Nov 2, 11:15 PM MST	6.32	45.5
Nov 2, 10:15 PM MST	6.29	46
Nov 2, 9:15 PM MST	6.25	46.4
Nov 2, 8:15 PM MST	6.23	46.8
Nov 2, 7:15 PM MST	6.2	47.1
Nov 2, 6:15 PM MST	6.2	47.7
Nov 2, 5:15 PM MST	6.22	48
Nov 2, 4:15 PM MST	6.26	48.6
Nov 2, 3:15 PM MST	6.3	48.7
Nov 2, 2:15 PM MST	6.34	48.9
Nov 2, 1:15 PM MST	6.38	49.1
Nov 2, 12:15 PM MST	6.39	49.1
Nov 2, 11:15 AM MST	6.39	49.3
Nov 2, 10:15 AM MST	6.39	49.3
Nov 2, 9:15 AM MST	6.38	49.6
Nov 2, 8:15 AM MST	6.38	49.8
Nov 2, 7:15 AM MST	6.37	50.2
Nov 2, 6:15 AM MST	6.36	50.4
Nov 2, 5:15 AM MST	6.36	50.7
Nov 2, 4:15 AM MST	6.36	50.7
Nov 2, 3:15 AM MST	6.33	50.7
Nov 2, 2:15 AM MST	6.33	50.7
Nov 2, 1:15 AM MST	6.33	50.7
Nov 2, 12:15 AM MST	6.33	50.7
Nov 1, 11:15 PM MST	6.32	50.7
Nov 1, 10:15 PM MST	6.31	50.7
Nov 1, 9:15 PM MST	6.31	50.5
Nov 1, 8:15 PM MST	6.3	50.5
Nov 1, 7:15 PM MST	6.29	50.5
Nov 1, 6:15 PM MST	6.29	50.5
Nov 1, 5:15 PM MST	6.29	50.4
Nov 1, 4:15 PM MST	6.28	50.4
Nov 1, 3:15 PM MST	6.28	50
Nov 1, 2:15 PM MST	6.27	49.8
Nov 1, 1:15 PM MST	6.26	49.5
Nov 1, 12:15 PM MST	6.27	49.1
Nov 1, 11:15 AM MST	6.26	48.9
Nov 1, 10:15 AM MST	6.26	48.7
Nov 1, 9:15 AM MST	6.26	48.6
Nov 1, 8:15 AM MST	6.26	48.6
Nov 1, 7:15 AM MST	6.25	48.7
Nov 1, 6:15 AM MST	6.25	48.9
Nov 1, 5:15 AM MST	6.25	49.3
Nov 1, 4:15 AM MST	6.25	49.6
Nov 1, 3:15 AM MST	6.25	50
Nov 1, 2:15 AM MST	6.25	50.4
Nov 1, 1:15 AM MST	6.25	50.7
Nov 1, 1:15 AM MDT	6.25	50.9
Nov 1, 12:15 AM MDT	6.25	51.3
Oct 31, 11:15 PM MDT	6.25	51.4
Oct 31, 10:15 PM MDT	6.25	51.6
Oct 31, 9:15 PM MDT	6.25	51.8
Oct 31, 8:15 PM MDT	6.25	52.2
Oct 31, 7:15 PM MDT	6.25	52.3
Oct 31, 6:15 PM MDT	6.25	52.3
Oct 31, 5:15 PM MDT	6.26	52.3
Oct 31, 4:15 PM MDT	6.26	52
Oct 31, 3:15 PM MDT	6.26	51.4
Oct 31, 2:15 PM MDT	6.26	50.7
Oct 31, 1:15 PM MDT	6.25	50.2
Oct 31, 12:15 PM MDT	6.25	49.6
Oct 31, 11:15 AM MDT	6.25	49.3
Oct 31, 10:15 AM MDT	6.25	49.1
Oct 31, 9:15 AM MDT	6.25	49.1
Oct 31, 8:15 AM MDT	6.25	49.3
Oct 31, 7:15 AM MDT	6.25	49.5
Oct 31, 6:15 AM MDT	6.25	49.8
Oct 31, 5:15 AM MDT	6.25	50
Oct 31, 4:15 AM MDT	6.25	50.2
Oct 31, 3:15 AM MDT	6.24	50.2
Oct 31, 2:15 AM MDT	6.25	50.4
Oct 31, 1:15 AM MDT	6.24	50.4
Oct 31, 12:15 AM MDT	6.24	50.4
Oct 30, 11:15 PM MDT	6.24	50.5
Oct 30, 10:15 PM MDT	6.24	50.7
Oct 30, 9:15 PM MDT	6.24	50.9
Oct 30, 8:15 PM MDT	6.24	50.9
Oct 30, 7:15 PM MDT	6.24	50.9
Oct 30, 6:15 PM MDT	6.25	50.7
Oct 30, 5:15 PM MDT	6.25	50.5
Oct 30, 4:15 PM MDT	6.25	50.2
Oct 30, 3:15 PM MDT	6.24	49.8
Oct 30, 2:15 PM MDT	6.24	49.3
Oct 30, 1:15 PM MDT	6.24	48.7
Oct 30, 12:15 PM MDT	6.24	48.4
Oct 30, 11:15 AM MDT	6.24	48.2
Oct 30, 10:15 AM MDT	6.24	48.2
Oct 30, 9:15 AM MDT	6.25	48.2
Oct 30, 8:15 AM MDT	6.25	48.4
Oct 30, 7:15 AM MDT	6.25	48.6
Oct 30, 6:15 AM MDT	6.25	48.7
Oct 30, 5:15 AM MDT	6.25	48.7
Oct 30, 4:15 AM MDT	6.26	48.9
Oct 30, 3:15 AM MDT	6.25	49.3
Oct 30, 2:15 AM MDT	6.25	49.3
Oct 30, 1:15 AM MDT	6.25	49.5
Oct 30, 12:15 AM MDT	6.24	49.5
Oct 29, 11:15 PM MDT	6.24	49.5
Oct 29, 10:15 PM MDT	6.24	49.5
Oct 29, 9:15 PM MDT	6.24	49.6
Oct 29, 8:15 PM MDT	6.24	49.8
Oct 29, 7:15 PM MDT	6.24	50
Oct 29, 6:15 PM MDT	6.24	50
Oct 29, 5:15 PM MDT	6.24	49.6
Oct 29, 4:30 PM MDT	6.24	49.3

What this level means general guidance

Steady over 24 hours (gauge height +0.07 ft). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

The National Weather Service has no flood-stage gauge here, so no official flood category is shown.

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Under the federal 68°F line. Water 45.3°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 45.3°F. That is under the 68°F at which the National Park Service, at Grand Teton National Park, recommends anglers stop fishing in the afternoon (“cease fishing at 2 p.m. when water temperatures are likely to exceed 68°F”). Water warms through the afternoon, so check again later in the day: “Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature.”
High water temperatures prompt fishing advisory in Grand Teton National Park (29 July 2022) (National Park Service)

Species

This gauge is on our page for Niobrara River, but no agency page we read lists its species.

Safety

Cold water. Water 45.3°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

Checked Nov 5, 5:20 PM CST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.

Reading the gauges…

Check any river's flow

Follow Niobrara River for flow alerts

Pick one of its USGS gauges and hear from us when the flow moves into or out of its usual range for the date, or crosses a flow you set. We check the public USGS reading every 2 hours and email only when it crosses, at most once every 6 hours. Flow alone is not a fishing forecast or a safety call.

Follow this water

Signed in: one step. Otherwise we email a confirmation link first. Every alert has one-click links to stop it.

Where to fish

Start from the agency's public access map. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.

Nothing on this page grants or implies access.

Public fishing areas (2026 Fishing Guide)

Niobrara River on the map

Gauges, shops and guides within 40 miles

Restrooms Access map

Map of Niobrara River with 4 USGS gauges.

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles

Restrooms near Niobrara River

Restrooms within 2 miles of Niobrara River in a straight line, nearest first, with what anglers found when they went. The map says a restroom is there, not whether it is clean or open today.

No restroom mapped within 2 mi yet — add one you know.

Campgrounds, fishing access sites and boat ramps often have one that isn't on the map yet.

Restroom locations and map details: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database License, read Oct 24, 2026. Ratings, answers and photos are members' own; who shared them is never shown, and every photo is reviewed before it appears. Visits older than 18 months no longer count. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving. Nothing here grants access to private land. Community guidelines.

More water near Niobrara River

Designated trout waterRepresentative photo · not Long Pine Creek
Photo credit
The Cache la Poudre River in Poudre Canyon. Photo: Wusel007, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Long Pine Creek.
Long Pine Creek
Nebraska · about 38 mi
161cfsFlow now · normal for the date
Designated trout waterRepresentative photo · not North Loup River
Photo credit
North St. Vrain Creek in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo: Hogs555, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not North Loup River.
North Loup River
Nebraska · about 71 mi
461cfsFlow now · normal for the date
Designated trout waterRepresentative photo · not Dismal River
Photo credit
The Big Thompson River at Viestenz-Smith Park in Big Thompson Canyon. Photo: Wusel007, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Dismal River.
Dismal River
Nebraska · about 78 mi
259cfsFlow now · much above normal for the date
Designated trout waterRepresentative photo · not Middle Loup River
Photo credit
The Arkansas River in downtown Salida, Colorado. Photo: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Middle Loup River.
Middle Loup River
Nebraska · about 93 mi
489cfsFlow now · normal for the date

Designated trout waterRepresentative photo · not Long Pine Creek
Photo credit
The Cache la Poudre River in Poudre Canyon. Photo: Wusel007, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Long Pine Creek.
Long Pine Creek
Nebraska · about 38 mi
Designated trout waterRepresentative photo · not North Loup River
Photo credit
North St. Vrain Creek in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo: Hogs555, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not North Loup River.
North Loup River
Nebraska · about 71 mi
Designated trout waterRepresentative photo · not Dismal River
Photo credit
The Big Thompson River at Viestenz-Smith Park in Big Thompson Canyon. Photo: Wusel007, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Dismal River.
Dismal River
Nebraska · about 78 mi
Designated trout waterRepresentative photo · not Middle Loup River
Photo credit
The Arkansas River in downtown Salida, Colorado. Photo: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Middle Loup River.
Middle Loup River
Nebraska · about 93 mi

Regulations

Seasons, limits, special regulations and closures for each reach are on the agency pages below. Read them before you go.

2026 Nebraska Fishing GuideNebraska Game and Parks Commission · checked 2026-10-24

Official designation: Designated trout water

Each comes from the agency's own published list; where the list names a reach it is quoted. A designation applies to the listed reach, not necessarily the whole water. Listed in the finder under trout.

Designated trout water
On the Trout Waters (streams where seines, baitfish dip nets and bait traps are unlawful) list (Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (2026 Fishing Guide), read 2026-10-24). All waters with this designation
- Listed trout stream: Box Butte County; Dawes County (from Box Butte Reservoir west to Wyoming border; and below Box Butte Reservoir downstream to Hwy. 385; and tributaries); Sioux County (and tributaries)

The water on the map

Measured from the NHDPlus High Resolution (flowlines and waterbodies) (U.S. Geological Survey, read 2026-11-04) for this water’s own mapped feature. Rounded figures; they describe the channel, not today’s conditions.

Length: 570 mi (459.2 in NE)
Drains: 8,490 sq mi
Drop: 4,146 ft · 7.3 ft/mi
Flows into: Missouri River
Watershed: Niobrara Headwaters, Middle Niobrara, Upper Niobrara

Public land along it

Areas the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US), public access (U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Project, read 2026-11-05) lists as owned or held in easement and open to the public, crossed by the mapped channel. Boundaries are mapped, not surveyed. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.

27.5 of 522.9 mi on public land

Lewis And Clark Recreation AreaArmy Corps of Engineers · 7.3 mi
Box Butte ReservoirBureau of Reclamation · 5.7 mi
Agate Fossil Beds National MonumentNational Park Service · 5.1 mi
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife RefugeU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · 3.8 mi · restricted
Chat Canyon Wildlife Management AreaState Fish and Wildlife · 1.7 mi · restricted
Samuel R. McKelvie National ForestForest Service · 1 mi
Anderson Bridge Wildlife Management AreaState Fish and Wildlife · 0.7 mi · restricted
Smith Falls State ParkState Fish and Wildlife · 0.4 mi · restricted

+7 smaller areas

Nothing on this page grants or implies access.

Guides and shops near Niobrara River

Listings marked Unclaimed are built from open map records and the business's own website: confirm licensing, rates, dates and hours directly.

Guides

No guide within 40 miles yet.

All Nebraska guides

Shops nearby

No shop nearby yet.

All Nebraska shops

Plan your stay

Fishing lodges nearby

All lodges

Niobrara River Ranch
Valentine, Nebraska
Guest ranch · 11 mi
- Unclaimed

Getting there

PIR · Pierre · 102 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)
LBF · North Platte · 124 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)
AIA · Alliance · 138 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)

About this

Miles are straight-line distances, not drive times.
Airports: scheduled passenger service, from OurAirports (public domain) (2026-11-04).
Lodges are listed when their own website talks about fishing. Prices and availability are the lodge's own.

Plan a trip here

None of our destination hubs is within 40 miles in a straight line. The trip planner builds a trip around the water itself: the guides and shops listed within 40 miles of it, its gauges and its nearest towns and airports.

No hub within 40 miles

Plan a trip here

Gear checklist

A wade-fishing checklist for big western trout rivers: a 9 ft 5–6 weight outfit, nymph, dry and streamer setups, waders, boots and a wading staff, with estimated prices by tier and where to buy.

A woman in waders and a sun hat wades a broad river and casts, bluffs on the far bank

Big western rivers (wade fishing)

9′ rod, 5–6 weight, floating line · Rainbow and brown trout, whitefish

Open the checklist

Videos for this water (5)

Watch: reading a trout stream

Seams, shelves and soft water, shown on real rivers.

Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.

How I Learned to Read Water (Fly Fishing)Embedded from YouTube · Mad River Outfitters · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
How To Read The Water with Tom RosenbauerEmbedded from YouTube · The New Fly Fisher · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
Reading the Water to Successfully Locate TroutEmbedded from YouTube · Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube

Not sponsored All videos on reading water

Watch: nymphing basics

Indicator rigs, depth and detecting the take.

Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.

90° Nymph RigEmbedded from YouTube · Huge Fly Fisherman · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
Casting with an Indicator & Better Nymphing TechniquesEmbedded from YouTube · The New Fly Fisher · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube

Not sponsored All videos on nymphing

Fish Tales

Trip stories anglers chose to share publicly and tagged with Niobrara River.

No stories from here yet.

Write the first story Share your day

Sources for this page

Not a statement of access, fish presence or conditions.

Something wrong?

All 14 sources and dates

A water page organises discovery. It does not assert public access, legal access, current fish presence, guide availability or fishing conditions.

Flows, gauge statistics and flood stages come from USGS and the National Weather Service when the page is shown. Regulations, stocking, species and season statements link to the agency that publishes them; this page copies only the species names and the quoted sentences. Guide and shop listings come from the Legendary directories. Position: the USGS gauge Niobrara River near Sparks, Nebr.. Water type is our own classification.

Niobrara River near Verdel, Nebr.

USGS 06465500 · NWS VRDN1

Caution: High water: fish the edges; wading risky

Flow 2,770 ft³/s: much above normal (over the 90th percentile) for Nov 5, over 70 years of USGS record. U.S. Geological Survey
If you're fishing for trout here: 43.5°F now, 47.8°F at most in 24 hours: under the National Park Service's 68°F line (federal guidance; no Nebraska line found). National Park Service
Below NWS action stage (official NWS category). That is not a statement that wading is safe. National Weather Service
Cold water, 43.5°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Fish the softer water along the banks. During periods of high water, fish move towards the banks to find calmer water and lower velocities Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Don't wade where you can't see the bottom. Wading and boating should be avoided if waters are running high and muddy and the streambed is not visible Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Or fish a lake instead. If stream conditions are not favorable, consider fishing at a lake Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 2,770 ft³/s
Gauge height: 3.78 ft
Water temp: 43.5°F (6.4°C)

Reading Nov 5, 7:15 AM CST · provisional USGS data

Much above normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly
Latest: 2,770 ft³/s at Nov 5, 7:15 AM CST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 5, 7:15 AM CST	2,770	3.78	43.5
Nov 5, 6:15 AM CST	2,770	3.78	43.9
Nov 5, 5:15 AM CST	2,770	3.78	44.1
Nov 5, 4:15 AM CST	2,720	3.77	44.6
Nov 5, 3:15 AM CST	2,660	3.76	45
Nov 5, 2:15 AM CST	2,610	3.75	45.3
Nov 5, 1:15 AM CST	2,560	3.74	45.7
Nov 5, 12:15 AM CST	2,510	3.73	46
Nov 4, 11:15 PM CST	2,610	3.75	46.4
Nov 4, 10:15 PM CST	2,660	3.76	46.8
Nov 4, 9:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	47.1
Nov 4, 8:15 PM CST	2,660	3.76	47.3
Nov 4, 7:15 PM CST	2,610	3.75	47.5
Nov 4, 6:15 PM CST	2,610	3.75	47.7
Nov 4, 5:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	47.8
Nov 4, 4:15 PM CST	2,770	3.78	47.7
Nov 4, 3:15 PM CST	2,770	3.78	47.7
Nov 4, 2:15 PM CST	2,770	3.78	47.3
Nov 4, 1:15 PM CST	2,770	3.78	47.1
Nov 4, 12:15 PM CST	2,880	3.8	46.4
Nov 4, 11:15 AM CST	2,880	3.8	46.2
Nov 4, 10:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	46
Nov 4, 9:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	45.9
Nov 4, 8:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	45.9
Nov 4, 7:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	45.9
Nov 4, 6:15 AM CST	2,880	3.8	46.2
Nov 4, 5:15 AM CST	2,880	3.8	46.6
Nov 4, 4:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	47.1
Nov 4, 3:15 AM CST	2,940	3.81	47.7
Nov 4, 2:15 AM CST	2,990	3.82	47.8
Nov 4, 1:15 AM CST	2,990	3.82	48.2
Nov 4, 12:15 AM CST	2,990	3.82	48.4
Nov 3, 11:15 PM CST	2,880	3.8	48.7
Nov 3, 10:15 PM CST	2,820	3.79	49.1
Nov 3, 9:15 PM CST	2,820	3.79	49.3
Nov 3, 8:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	49.6
Nov 3, 7:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	50
Nov 3, 6:15 PM CST	2,770	3.78	50.4
Nov 3, 5:15 PM CST	2,820	3.79	51.1
Nov 3, 4:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	51.6
Nov 3, 3:15 PM CST	2,720	3.77	52
Nov 3, 2:15 PM CST	2,660	3.76	52.5
Nov 3, 1:15 PM CST	2,560	3.74	52.7
Nov 3, 12:15 PM CST	2,510	3.73	52.9
Nov 3, 11:15 AM CST	2,510	3.73	53.4
Nov 3, 10:15 AM CST	2,410	3.71	53.6
Nov 3, 9:15 AM CST	2,410	3.71	54
Nov 3, 8:15 AM CST	2,410	3.71	54.7
Nov 3, 7:15 AM CST	2,410	3.71	55.2
Nov 3, 6:15 AM CST	2,460	3.72	56.1
Nov 3, 5:15 AM CST	2,510	3.73	56.7
Nov 3, 4:15 AM CST	2,560	3.74	57.4
Nov 3, 3:15 AM CST	2,610	3.75	58.3
Nov 3, 2:15 AM CST	2,560	3.74	59
Nov 3, 1:15 AM CST	2,460	3.72	59.7
Nov 3, 12:15 AM CST	2,460	3.72	60.3
Nov 2, 11:15 PM CST	2,410	3.71	60.8
Nov 2, 10:15 PM CST	2,360	3.7	61.3
Nov 2, 9:15 PM CST	2,320	3.69	61.9
Nov 2, 8:15 PM CST	2,320	3.69	62.4
Nov 2, 7:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	63
Nov 2, 6:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	63.7
Nov 2, 5:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	64.6
Nov 2, 4:15 PM CST	2,320	3.69	65.7
Nov 2, 3:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	66.4
Nov 2, 2:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	66.6
Nov 2, 1:15 PM CST	2,270	3.68	66.6
Nov 2, 12:15 PM CST	2,320	3.69	65.3
Nov 2, 11:15 AM CST	2,360	3.7	63.5
Nov 2, 10:15 AM CST	2,360	3.7	61.5
Nov 2, 9:15 AM CST	2,360	3.7	60.3
Nov 2, 8:15 AM CST	2,320	3.69	59.7
Nov 2, 7:15 AM CST	2,230	3.67	59.4
Nov 2, 6:15 AM CST	2,190	3.66	59.2
Nov 2, 5:15 AM CST	2,140	3.65	58.8
Nov 2, 4:15 AM CST	2,060	3.63	58.6
Nov 2, 3:15 AM CST	1,980	3.61	58.5
Nov 2, 2:15 AM CST	1,900	3.59	58.5
Nov 2, 1:15 AM CST	1,830	3.57	58.3
Nov 2, 12:15 AM CST	1,830	3.57	58.5
Nov 1, 11:15 PM CST	1,830	3.57	58.5
Nov 1, 10:15 PM CST	1,760	3.55	58.5
Nov 1, 9:15 PM CST	1,720	3.54	58.6
Nov 1, 8:15 PM CST	1,760	3.55	58.8
Nov 1, 7:15 PM CST	1,720	3.54	59.2
Nov 1, 6:15 PM CST	1,790	3.56	59.9
Nov 1, 5:15 PM CST	1,760	3.55	60.4
Nov 1, 4:15 PM CST	1,760	3.55	61
Nov 1, 3:15 PM CST	1,790	3.56	61.2
Nov 1, 2:15 PM CST	1,830	3.57	61.2
Nov 1, 1:15 PM CST	1,830	3.57	60.8
Nov 1, 12:15 PM CST	1,870	3.58	59.7
Nov 1, 11:15 AM CST	1,830	3.57	58.8
Nov 1, 10:15 AM CST	1,900	3.59	57.9
Nov 1, 9:15 AM CST	1,900	3.59	57.4
Nov 1, 8:15 AM CST	1,870	3.58	57.2
Nov 1, 7:15 AM CST	1,900	3.59	57.2
Nov 1, 6:15 AM CST	1,870	3.58	57.4
Nov 1, 5:15 AM CST	1,830	3.57	57.4
Nov 1, 4:15 AM CST	1,760	3.55	57.4
Nov 1, 3:15 AM CST	1,720	3.54	57.4
Nov 1, 2:15 AM CST	1,690	3.53	57.4
Nov 1, 1:15 AM CST	1,650	3.52	57.6
Nov 1, 1:15 AM CDT	1,650	3.52	57.6
Nov 1, 12:15 AM CDT	1,690	3.53	57.7
Oct 31, 11:15 PM CDT	1,690	3.53	57.9
Oct 31, 10:15 PM CDT	1,720	3.54	58.1
Oct 31, 9:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	58.3
Oct 31, 8:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	58.5
Oct 31, 7:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	58.6
Oct 31, 6:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	59
Oct 31, 5:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	59.2
Oct 31, 4:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	59.4
Oct 31, 3:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	59
Oct 31, 2:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	58.1
Oct 31, 1:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	57.9
Oct 31, 12:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	57.4
Oct 31, 11:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	56.8
Oct 31, 10:15 AM CDT	1,830	3.57	55.9
Oct 31, 9:15 AM CDT	1,790	3.56	55.4
Oct 31, 8:15 AM CDT	1,790	3.56	55.2
Oct 31, 7:15 AM CDT	1,720	3.54	55
Oct 31, 6:15 AM CDT	1,720	3.54	55
Oct 31, 5:15 AM CDT	1,690	3.53	54.9
Oct 31, 4:15 AM CDT	1,690	3.53	54.9
Oct 31, 3:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	54.7
Oct 31, 2:15 AM CDT	1,720	3.54	54.5
Oct 31, 1:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	54.3
Oct 31, 12:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	54.3
Oct 30, 11:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	54.1
Oct 30, 10:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	54.1
Oct 30, 9:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	54.1
Oct 30, 8:15 PM CDT	1,760	3.55	54.1
Oct 30, 7:15 PM CDT	1,690	3.53	54.1
Oct 30, 6:15 PM CDT	1,690	3.53	54.3
Oct 30, 5:15 PM CDT	1,690	3.53	54.3
Oct 30, 4:15 PM CDT	1,720	3.54	54.3
Oct 30, 3:15 PM CDT	1,720	3.54	54.5
Oct 30, 2:15 PM CDT	1,720	3.54	54.7
Oct 30, 1:15 PM CDT	1,720	3.54	54.3
Oct 30, 12:15 PM CDT	1,790	3.56	53.6
Oct 30, 11:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	52.2
Oct 30, 10:15 AM CDT	1,720	3.54	51.1
Oct 30, 9:15 AM CDT	1,690	3.53	50.4
Oct 30, 8:15 AM CDT	1,650	3.52	50.4
Oct 30, 7:15 AM CDT	1,650	3.52	50.4
Oct 30, 6:15 AM CDT	1,650	3.52	50.9
Oct 30, 5:15 AM CDT	1,690	3.53	51.6
Oct 30, 4:15 AM CDT	1,720	3.54	51.8
Oct 30, 3:15 AM CDT	1,760	3.55	52.3
Oct 30, 2:15 AM CDT	1,830	3.57	52.5
Oct 30, 1:15 AM CDT	1,940	3.6	53.1
Oct 30, 12:15 AM CDT	2,020	3.62	53.2
Oct 29, 11:15 PM CDT	2,060	3.63	53.8
Oct 29, 10:15 PM CDT	2,100	3.64	54.3
Oct 29, 9:15 PM CDT	2,100	3.64	55
Oct 29, 8:15 PM CDT	2,140	3.65	55.8
Oct 29, 7:15 PM CDT	2,140	3.65	56.7
Oct 29, 6:15 PM CDT	2,140	3.65	57.7
Oct 29, 5:30 PM CDT	2,140	3.65	58.3

What this level means general guidance

Normal for Nov 5: 1,400–1,960 ft³/s (middle half of 70 years of record). Now: 2,770 ft³/s, much above normal.

Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 482 ft³/s, highest 3,740 ft³/s.

Steady over 24 hours (−5.8% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.

NWS observed 3.77 ft stage, 1,730 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:32 PM CST (NWS gauge VRDN1; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

Action stage: 7 ft
Minor flood: 8 ft
Moderate flood: 9.5 ft
Major flood: 13 ft

Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Under the federal 68°F line. Water 43.5°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 47.8°F. That is under the 68°F at which the National Park Service, at Grand Teton National Park, recommends anglers stop fishing in the afternoon (“cease fishing at 2 p.m. when water temperatures are likely to exceed 68°F”). Water warms through the afternoon, so check again later in the day: “Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature.”
High water temperatures prompt fishing advisory in Grand Teton National Park (29 July 2022) (National Park Service)

Species

This gauge is on our page for Niobrara River, but no agency page we read lists its species.

Safety

Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)
Flow far above normal. Above the 90th percentile of daily mean flow for this date (USGS class “much above normal”), from 70 years of record. Expect higher, faster water than usual for the season.
hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) Statistics documentation (percentiles of daily mean discharge) (U.S. Geological Survey)
Cold water. Water 43.5°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page