Today
50°F
Partly Sunny
SSE 6 mph · 13% precip
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Today’s verdict
Conditions reported.
605 CFS−37Flow
40°F−1°605 CFS is running a bit high for October — this stretch typically runs 398–595 CFS.
With flows up, footing gets less predictable — take extra care, scout your access, and turn back if it feels wrong. Conditions vary, and you are responsible for your own safety.
At 40°F, the water is in the prime range for trout — cold enough to fish and to handle fish safely.
Weather
38°F
Sunrise 8:07 AM · Sunset 6:20 PM
Observed (2 hours ago)
NWS / weather.gov · fetched 15:00
Today
50°F
Partly Sunny
SSE 6 mph · 13% precip
Tonight
35°F
Slight Chance Drizzle then Patchy Fog
S 2 to 6 mph · 22% precip
Tomorrow
48°F
Patchy Fog then Chance Light Rain
NE 1 to 5 mph · 51% precip
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Size #14-#16
Size #14-#18
Size #16-18
Size #10-#12
Conditions are estimates from USGS data. Always assess on-site conditions and use your own judgment.
The Melrose gauge sits on the lower Big Hole, the freestone water anglers float and wade out of Melrose and Wise River. It reports both flow and water temperature, so the read reflects whether the river is running cold enough to fish — the load-bearing signal on a river famous for its summer "hoot-owl" closures when the water warms.
Location
© OpenStreetMap contributors · © Geoapify
Helpful Links
Montana fishing resources
Other Montana rivers with live conditions
Large undammed Montana freestone moving from meadow water to canyon and cottonwood reaches. Target species include Brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout, plus Arctic grayling in upper reaches. Public sites support wading, but a raft or drift boat is best for most middle and lower sections. Productive timing is Spring before runoff and late June through fall. Major hatches and foods include Salmonflies, golden stones, caddis, PMDs, yellow sallies, spruce moths and hoppers. Common approaches are Dry-dropper rigs, attractor dries, nymphs and streamers around banks and structure. Regulations, access rules and water conditions vary by reach, so anglers should review current agency information and the linked local reports before fishing.
50° / 35°Weather
Size #16-#18
Size #16
Size #4-6