Today
70°F
Sunny
SSE 9 mph · 1% precip
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Today’s verdict
Conditions reported — a big 34°F swing through the day.
243 CFSFlow
52°F−1°Water temp243 CFS is right around its typical level for September — this stretch typically runs 217–431 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 52°F, the water is in the prime range for trout — cold enough to fish and to handle fish safely.
Weather
50°F
Sunrise 7:08 AM · Sunset 7:42 PM
Observed (2 hours ago)
NWS / weather.gov · fetched 13:00
Today
70°F
Sunny
SSE 9 mph · 1% precip
Tonight
38°F
Mostly Cloudy
NNE 5 to 12 mph · 2% precip
Tomorrow
72°F
Sunny
ENE 3 to 7 mph · 0% 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.
Size #16-#18
Size #20-22
Size #4-6