There are 4 streamflow monitoring stations on the Bitterroot River
If you like to fish or recreate on Montana rivers, you probably keep an eye on streamflows.
Understanding current water conditions is key to a successful and safe day on the river.
It’s amazing how much Bitterroot River streamflows change throughout the year.
From high water in spring to low water in the fall, streamflows range from below 500cfs to over 10,000cfs.
That’s a factor of 20X, and the Bitterroot River is two entirely different rivers at those flows.
Take a minute to see what’s going on before you head out to the river.
Here’s a 10 day chart for each of the Bitterroot River streamflow monitoring sites.
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Streamflow Near Darby, MT
This is the streamflow at the beginning of the Bitterroot River, just south of Darby.
This site is located at the confluence of the East and West forks of the Bitterroot River.
Here’s a chart of the flow rates from the Darby station for the past 10 days.
You can view an interactive version of the Darby chart on the USGS page for this station.
Upper Bitterroot River at Low Water / Bitterroot Info
Streamflow at Bell Crossing
This site measures streamflows of the Bitterroot River at Bell Crossing, located here.
This is the streamflow near the middle of the Bitterroot River.
Here’s a chart of the flow rates from the Bell Crossing station for the past 10 days.
You can view an interactive version of the Bell Crossing chart on the USGS page for this station.
Streamflow Near Missoula, MT
This is the streamflow near the end of the Bitterroot River, located here.
This site measures streamflow just before the confluence of the Bitterroot River and Clark Fork River.
Here’s a chart of the flow rates from the Missoula station for the past 10 days.
You can view an interactive version of the Missoula chart on the USGS page for this station.
Lower Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info
West Fork Bitterroot River Streamflow Near Conner
The Conner site measures streamflows of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River.
The site is located just below Painted Rocks Reservoir.
Here’s a chart of the flow rates from the Conner station for the past 10 days.
You can view an interactive version of the Conner chart on the USGS page for this station.
That’s a Good Question
High water on the Bitterroot River normally begins in early May and continues into mid-June.
Bitterroot River water levels drop to their lowest levels in late summer, typically near the end of August or early September.
Yes. Local flooding is common all along the Bitterroot River and its tributaries during high water.
Additional Resources
Current Montana Fishing Regulations can be found here.
Montana Fishing license information can be found here.