There are 4 Bitterroot River streamflow monitoring stations.
Three stations are on the main stem of the river, near Darby, Victor, and Missoula.
The fourth station measures streamflow on the west fork of the Bitterroot River below Painted Rocks Reservoir.
This article provides a 10 day chart for each of the Bitterroot River streamflow monitoring sites.
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Bitterroot River Streamflows
If you like to fish or recreate on the Bitterroot River, you should keep an eye on streamflows.
Understanding current water conditions is the key to a safe day on the river.
It’s amazing how much Bitterroot River streamflows change throughout the year.
Upper Bitterroot River at Low Water / Bitterroot Info
From high water in spring, to low water in the fall, streamflows can range from below 500cfs to over 10,000cfs.
That’s a factor of 20X, and the Bitterroot River is two entirely different rivers at these flows.
Be sure to take a minute to review streamflows before you head out to the river.
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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.
Bitterroot River near Darby
This graph charts 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.
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.
Bitterroot River at Bell Crossing near Victor
This graph charts 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.
Bitterroot River near Missoula
This graph charts 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.
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.
West Fork Bitterroot River near Conner
This graph charts 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.
More Bitterroot Valley Fishing Articles
If you’re over 12, you’ll need a Montana fishing license to fish. Our calculator will show you what it will cost.
Check out our Fishing the Bitterroot River article for great information about fishing our favorite river.
Can you tell what kind of trout you just caught? Take our Montana trout test and find out.
Lower Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info
Our essential fly fishing gear article will help get you get started fishing in Montana.
The local fly shops will help you catch more fish, and stay safe in the process.
Check out the latest fishing reports from all the local sources in the Bitterroot and Missoula.
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.
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