Today
97°F
Patchy Smoke
W 3 mph · 19% precip
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Today’s verdict
Smoke — a big 39°F swing through the day.
1,000 CFS−60Flow
83°F+2°1,000 CFS is right around its typical level for July — this stretch typically runs 750–1,770 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 83°F, the water is above the trout-stress threshold — consider resting the fish until it cools.
Weather
95°FSmoke
Wind NNW 3 mph
Sunrise 6:06 AM · Sunset 9:18 PM
Observed (1 hour ago)
NWS / weather.gov · fetched 18:00
Today
97°F
Patchy Smoke
W 3 mph · 19% precip
Tonight
60°F
Patchy Smoke
SSW 1 to 5 mph · 31% precip
Tomorrow
99°F
Sunny
NW 0 to 16 mph · 5% precip
Fly recommendations are paused — water temperature is above 68°F. Don't fish stressed trout — please check on-site before deciding. (current: 83°F)
Conditions are estimates from USGS data. Always assess on-site conditions and use your own judgment.
The gauge near Missoula on the lower Bitterroot is the verified station carrying both flow and water temperature. The classic upper float water around Darby and Hamilton is flow-only, so we read conditions from the lower-river gauge — the one that can actually flag water too warm to fish — and say so plainly instead of substituting a flow-only upstream gauge.
Location
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Helpful Links
Montana fishing resources
Other Montana rivers with live conditions
Broad western Montana freestone with braided channels, gentle gradients and famous spring dry-fly fishing. Target species include Rainbow, brown, cutthroat and cutbow trout. Many fishing-access sites; floating is ideal, while side channels offer good wading. Productive timing is March through May and July through October, depending on runoff and heat. Major hatches and foods include Skwalas, March Browns, caddis, PMDs, golden stones, hoppers and mahogany duns. Common approaches are Dry flies and dry-droppers are signatures; nymphs and streamers cover changing flows. Regulations, access rules and water conditions vary by reach, so anglers should review current agency information and the linked local reports before fishing.
97° / 60°Weather