Today
91°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
S 7 mph · 21% precip
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Today’s verdict
Conditions reported — a big 36°F swing through the day.
1,830 CFSFlow
57°F−1°Water tempAt 57°F, the water is in the prime range for trout — cold enough to fish and to handle fish safely.
Weather
86°F
Wind ESE 9 mph
Sunrise 5:45 AM · Sunset 8:48 PM
Observed (1 hour ago)
NWS / weather.gov · fetched 18:00
Today
91°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
S 7 mph · 21% precip
Tonight
65°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Clear
S 5 to 9 mph · 23% precip
Tomorrow
101°F
Sunny
WSW 8 to 14 mph · 10% precip
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Conditions are estimates from USGS data. Always assess on-site conditions and use your own judgment.
The St. Xavier gauge is the only one in the Yellowtail tailwater reporting both flow and water temperature — so it's the one that can flag warm water. It sits in the cold, blue-ribbon section below Fort Smith, the high-trout-density water anglers float and wade.
Location
© OpenStreetMap contributors · © Geoapify
Helpful Links
Montana fishing resources
Other Montana rivers with live conditions
The Bighorn below Yellowtail and Afterbay dams is a cold, stable tailwater flowing through the Crow Reservation in southeastern Montana. It is famous for dense populations of wild rainbow and brown trout, consistent year-round feeding and long, controlled drifts. The river is primarily a float fishery because public bank access is limited to designated sites, although anglers can wade effectively around those accesses at suitable flows. Midges, sowbugs and scuds sustain trout through winter. BWOs and caddis become important in spring, followed by PMDs, yellow sallies and terrestrials during summer; fall brings renewed BWOs and streamer opportunities. Indicator nymphing with small flies is the most consistent technique. During strong hatches, selective trout rise in side channels, flats and slicks, requiring accurate casts, long leaders and fine tippet. Streamers can attract larger trout in cloudy weather or during seasonal transitions. Aquatic vegetation can complicate late-summer presentation, making clean lanes and careful line control important.
