Today
87°F
Patchy Smoke
S 7 mph · 21% precip
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Today’s verdict
Conditions reported — a big 34°F swing through the day.
811 CFS+100Flow
74°F+5°811 CFS is right around its typical level for July — this stretch typically runs 447–1,040 CFS.
Wading tends to be more manageable at typical flows, but beds shift and cold water saps strength fast — read the water, stay within your limits, and check conditions on-site. You remain responsible for your own safety.
At 74°F, the water is above the trout-stress threshold — consider resting the fish until it cools.
Weather
71°F
Sunrise 6:05 AM · Sunset 9:08 PM
Observed (2 hours ago)
NWS / weather.gov · fetched 18:00
Today
87°F
Patchy Smoke
S 7 mph · 21% precip
Tonight
59°F
Patchy Smoke
NNW 6 mph · 20% precip
Tomorrow
93°F
Patchy Smoke then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 3 to 14 mph · 15% precip
Fly recommendations are paused — water temperature is above 68°F. Don't fish stressed trout — please check on-site before deciding. (current: 74°F)
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.
87° / 59°Weather