Idaho
Big Lost River at Howell Ranch
Location Snapshot
Big Lost River at Howell Ranch is a high-desert Idaho trout reach near Chilly, where mountain water crosses an open valley through riffles and bends. Brown and rainbow trout are principal targets, with brook trout adding another coldwater component.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Overcast or filtered daylight is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 99.5 CFS
- Gage Height
- 0.99 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 11:00 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 13120500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
Loading readings from the past 7 days…
Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
Loading advisory…
Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
39°F
Feels like
31°F
Wind
5 mph SW
Wind gust
5 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 5:30 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 6 AM
Mostly clear
Temp 39°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 10 AM
Overcast
Temp 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 2 PM
Overcast
Temp 59°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Tue 6 PM
Overcast
Temp 57°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Tue 10 PM
Clear
Temp 46°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Wed 2 AM
Clear
Temp 44°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 59°F / Low 37°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 17 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Drizzle
High 61°F / Low 42°F
Chance 10%
Precip 0.02 in
Max gust 15 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Showers
High 62°F / Low 44°F
Chance 81%
Precip 0.12 in
Max gust 18 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Showers
High 49°F / Low 36°F
Chance 94%
Precip 0.39 in
Max gust 19 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
Loading historical flow…
Fishing Overview
Wild brown and rainbow trout are in the Big Lost River at Howell Ranch.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Big Lost River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Mixed flow regime
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Custer, Idaho
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Custer
Management Category
Wild trout river
Regulation Scope
Big Lost River at Howell Ranch.
Regulation Summary
Big Lost at Howell Ranch: IDFG Upper Snake Big Lost special rules. Confirm current 2025-2027 Fishing Seasons & Rules.
Target Species
brown-trout, rainbow-trout, brook-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
Loading access and regulations…