The Flathead River is a freestone river in Montana, listed as Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey) by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
3 USGS gauges on the water report flow. 11 guides and 3 shops nearby are listed here.
The Flathead River from the bank at Columbia Falls, Montana. Photo: Mitchell O'Brien, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Flathead River is a freestone river in Montana.
Pick one of its USGS gauges and hear from us when the flow moves into or out of its usual range for the date, or crosses a flow you set. We check the public USGS reading every 2 hours and email only when it crosses, at most once every 6 hours. Flow alone is not a fishing forecast or a safety call.
Signed in: one step. Otherwise we email a confirmation link first. Every alert has one-click links to stop it.
Start from the agency's public access map. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.
Nothing on this page grants or implies access.
Gauges, shops and guides within 40 miles
Map of Flathead River: gauges, shops and guides
Map of Flathead River with 3 USGS gauges, and shops and guides with an exact address within 40 miles.
Restrooms within 2 miles of Flathead River in a straight line, nearest first, with what anglers found when they went. The map says a restroom is there, not whether it is clean or open today.
No restroom mapped within 2 mi yet — add one you know.
Campgrounds, fishing access sites and boat ramps often have one that isn't on the map yet.
Restroom locations and map details: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database License, read Oct 24, 2026. Ratings, answers and photos are members' own; who shared them is never shown, and every photo is reviewed before it appears. Visits older than 18 months no longer count. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving. Nothing here grants access to private land. Community guidelines.
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Flathead LakeEnnis Lake, Montana, in March, with the Madison Range beyond. Photo: Gloria Cabada-Leman, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr Not Flathead Lake.
Montana · about 15 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Lake Mary RonanHenrys Lake from Henrys Lake State Park, Idaho. Photo: James Postema, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Lake Mary Ronan.
Montana · about 18 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Swan LakeLake Billy Chinook, Oregon. Photo: icetsarina, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Swan Lake.
Montana · about 25 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Swan RiverThe lower Blackfoot River east of Missoula. Photo: Bureau of Land Management, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Swan River.
Montana · about 27 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Church SloughEagle Lake, Lassen County, California, with dry Horse Lake in the foreground (aerial). Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Church Slough.
Montana · about 32 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Echo LakeCrowley Lake and the Long Valley Caldera from US 395. Photo: Clinton Steeds, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Echo Lake.
Montana · about 32 mi
Seasons, limits, special regulations and closures for each reach are on the agency pages below. Read them before you go.
Each comes from the agency's own published list; where the list names a reach it is quoted. A designation applies to the listed reach, not necessarily the whole water. Listed in the finder under trout.
On the Montana's most-fished waters (FWP statewide angling pressure estimates, 2023 license year, top 250 by state rank) list (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, read 2026-11-05). All waters with this designation
On the District Exceptions to Standard Regulations (trout / gear rules) list (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, read 2026-11-05). All waters with this designation
Listings marked Unclaimed are built from open map records and the business's own website: confirm licensing, rates, dates and hours directly.
10 guides name it on their website
Lakeside, MT · 24 mi
Lake & stillwater · Flathead & Flathead Lake
Names this water
Bigfork, MT · 27 mi
Float trips · Drift boat · Flathead & Swan
Names this water
Bigfork, MT · 27 mi
Lake & stillwater · Beginners & lessons · Flathead & Flathead Lake
Names this water
Bigfork, MT · 28 mi
Lake & stillwater · Flathead & Flathead Lake
Names this water
Kalispell, MT · 31 mi
Beginners & lessons · Flathead & Flathead Lake
Names this water
Columbia Falls, MT · 41 mi
Beginners & lessons · Flathead & Flathead Lake
Names this water
Columbia Falls, MT · 48 mi
Float trips · Drift boat · Missouri & Flathead
Names this water
Columbia Falls, MT · 49 mi
Float trips · Drift boat · Blackfoot & Clark Fork
Names this water
Kalispell, MT · 36 mi
Fly shop · Guided trips · Casting lessons & classes
What 6 nearby guide websites mention: what guides advertise, not a survey or a promise of what you will catch.
Named on 6 nearby guide websites
5 hatches charted for the region, not measured on this water. From Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Mother's Day caddis (Grannom) (May) · Salmonfly (May to June) · Salmonfly (May to July) · Salmonfly (July) · Trico (August to September)
None of our destination hubs is within 40 miles in a straight line. The trip planner builds a trip around the water itself: the guides and shops listed within 40 miles of it, its gauges and its nearest towns and airports.
No hub within 40 miles
A wade-fishing checklist for big western trout rivers: a 9 ft 5–6 weight outfit, nymph, dry and streamer setups, waders, boots and a wading staff, with estimated prices by tier and where to buy.
9′ rod, 5–6 weight, floating line · Rainbow and brown trout, whitefish
Open the checklistSeams, shelves and soft water, shown on real rivers.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on reading water
Indicator rigs, depth and detecting the take.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on nymphing
Trip stories anglers chose to share publicly and tagged with Flathead River.
No stories from here yet.
Not a statement of access, fish presence or conditions.
A water page organises discovery. It does not assert public access, legal access, current fish presence, guide availability or fishing conditions.
Flows, gauge statistics and flood stages come from USGS and the National Weather Service when the page is shown. Regulations, stocking, species and season statements link to the agency that publishes them; this page copies only the species names and the quoted sentences. Guide and shop listings come from the Legendary directories. Position: the USGS gauge Flathead River near Polson MT. Water type is our own classification.
Good: Good conditions: fish normally
At Flathead River at Columbia Falls MT (USGS 12363000) · 1 of 3 gauges below Provisional USGS data
USGS 12363000 · NWS CFMM8
What the agencies suggest
Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatureNational Park Service
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 1:45 PM MST · provisional USGS data
Normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 2:45 PM MDT to Nov 5, 1:45 PM MST; ranging 3,540 to 3,780 ft³/s; latest 3,620 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) | Water temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 1:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 PM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 11:45 AM MST | 3,700 | 3.85 | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 10:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 9:45 AM MST | 3,680 | 3.84 | 41.4 |
| Nov 5, 8:45 AM MST | 3,680 | 3.84 | 41.4 |
| Nov 5, 7:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.4 |
| Nov 5, 6:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 5:45 AM MST | 3,540 | 3.77 | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 4:45 AM MST | 3,560 | 3.78 | 41.7 |
| Nov 5, 3:45 AM MST | 3,560 | 3.78 | 41.7 |
| Nov 5, 2:45 AM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 41.9 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.9 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 AM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.1 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 PM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.1 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 PM MST | 3,560 | 3.78 | 42.1 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 PM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.3 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 PM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.3 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.3 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.4 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 PM MST | 3,680 | 3.84 | 42.4 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 PM MST | 3,720 | 3.86 | 42.6 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 PM MST | 3,720 | 3.86 | 42.6 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 PM MST | 3,740 | 3.87 | 42.6 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 PM MST | 3,720 | 3.86 | 42.4 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 PM MST | 3,780 | 3.89 | 42.3 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 AM MST | 3,760 | 3.88 | 41.9 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 AM MST | 3,740 | 3.87 | 41.5 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.4 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.4 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.2 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.2 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.4 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.4 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.5 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 PM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.5 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 PM MST | 3,680 | 3.84 | 41.9 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 PM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.3 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.8 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.8 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.4 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.9 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 AM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 41.4 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 40.8 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 40.8 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 40.6 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 40.8 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.2 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.2 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.4 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.4 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.7 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.4 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.6 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.8 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 43 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 43.2 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 43.3 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 43.3 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 43.2 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.8 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 PM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.9 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.5 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.5 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.9 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.1 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 PM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.3 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 PM MDT | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.3 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 PM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.4 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 PM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.4 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 PM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 PM MDT | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 PM MDT | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 PM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.3 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.1 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.7 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 AM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.5 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 AM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 41.5 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 AM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 41.5 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 AM MDT | 3,560 | 3.78 | 41.7 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 AM MDT | 3,540 | 3.77 | 41.7 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 AM MDT | 3,560 | 3.78 | 41.9 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 AM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 41.9 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 AM MDT | 3,560 | 3.78 | 42.1 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 AM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.1 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 AM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.3 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.3 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.4 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.4 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.8 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 43 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 43.3 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 43.5 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 43.7 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 43.9 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 43.9 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 43.5 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 AM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.7 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.9 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.1 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.3 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 |
| Oct 29, 11:45 PM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.6 |
| Oct 29, 10:45 PM MDT | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.8 |
| Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT | 3,660 | 3.83 | 43 |
| Oct 29, 8:45 PM MDT | 3,680 | 3.84 | 43.2 |
| Oct 29, 7:45 PM MDT | 3,680 | 3.84 | 43.3 |
| Oct 29, 6:45 PM MDT | 3,680 | 3.84 | 43.5 |
| Oct 29, 5:45 PM MDT | 3,660 | 3.83 | 43.9 |
| Oct 29, 4:45 PM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 44.1 |
| Oct 29, 3:45 PM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 44.1 |
| Oct 29, 2:45 PM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 44.2 |
Normal for Nov 5: 3,620–6,100 ft³/s (middle half of 74 years of record). Now: 3,620 ft³/s, normal.
Normal for this date. 3,620 ft³/s is between the 25th and 75th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 74 years of record (1952–2026): 10th 2,530, 25th 3,620, median 4,100, 75th 6,100, 90th 10,800 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 1,430 ft³/s, highest 15,200 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (−2.7% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 3.83 ft stage, 3,660 ft³/s at Nov 5, 12:45 PM MST (NWS gauge CFMM8; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 8:42 AM MST. Highest point: 3.83 ft, 3,660 ft³/s on Nov 15, 5:00 AM MST (Below NWS action stage).
| Day | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 5 | 3.78 ft | 3,560 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 6 | 3.79 ft | 3,580 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 7 | 3.8 ft | 3,600 ft³/s |
| Sun, Nov 8 | 3.8 ft | 3,600 ft³/s |
| Mon, Nov 9 | 3.79 ft | 3,580 ft³/s |
| Tue, Nov 10 | 3.78 ft | 3,560 ft³/s |
| Wed, Nov 11 | 3.77 ft | 3,540 ft³/s |
| Thu, Nov 12 | 3.78 ft | 3,560 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 3.81 ft | 3,620 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 14 | 3.82 ft | 3,640 ft³/s |
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
Under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Water 41.5°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 42.6°F. Montana FWP cites a study in which trout “caught and released from water with a temperature above 68 degrees F were far more likely to perish than those taken from cooler water.” Water warms through the day: “Fish in the cool morning hours.”
“Giving a hoot”, Montana Outdoors (July–August 2024) (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks) Drought and fishing (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)This gauge is on our page for Flathead River, but no agency page we read lists its species.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Cold water. Water 41.5°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
USGS 12372000 · NWS FPOM8
What the agencies suggest
Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatureNational Park Service
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 1:50 PM MST · provisional USGS data
Normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 185 readings from Oct 29, 2:50 PM MDT to Nov 5, 1:50 PM MST; ranging 7,010 to 7,640 ft³/s; latest 7,210 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) | Water temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 1:50 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.7 |
| Nov 5, 12:55 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.7 |
| Nov 5, 12:00 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.7 |
| Nov 5, 11:05 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.7 |
| Nov 5, 10:10 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 5, 9:15 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 5, 8:20 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 5, 7:25 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.7 |
| Nov 5, 6:30 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.7 |
| Nov 5, 5:35 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.7 |
| Nov 5, 4:40 AM MST | 7,230 | 5.46 | 47.7 |
| Nov 5, 3:45 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.7 |
| Nov 5, 2:50 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.8 |
| Nov 5, 1:55 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.8 |
| Nov 5, 1:00 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.8 |
| Nov 5, 12:05 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.8 |
| Nov 4, 11:10 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 4, 10:15 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 4, 9:20 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 4, 8:25 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 47.8 |
| Nov 4, 7:30 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48 |
| Nov 4, 6:35 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48 |
| Nov 4, 5:40 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 PM MST | 7,230 | 5.46 | 48 |
| Nov 4, 3:50 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48 |
| Nov 4, 2:55 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48 |
| Nov 4, 2:00 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48 |
| Nov 4, 1:05 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48 |
| Nov 4, 12:10 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 4, 11:15 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 4, 10:20 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 4, 9:25 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 8:30 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 7:35 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 6:40 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 4:50 AM MST | 7,160 | 5.43 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 3:55 AM MST | 7,160 | 5.43 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 3:00 AM MST | 7,160 | 5.43 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 2:05 AM MST | 7,160 | 5.43 | 48.2 |
| Nov 4, 1:10 AM MST | 7,120 | 5.41 | – |
| Nov 4, 12:15 AM MST | 7,100 | 5.4 | – |
| Nov 3, 11:20 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | – |
| Nov 3, 10:25 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.2 |
| Nov 3, 9:30 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.4 |
| Nov 3, 8:35 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.4 |
| Nov 3, 7:40 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.4 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.4 |
| Nov 3, 5:50 PM MST | 7,280 | 5.48 | 48.4 |
| Nov 3, 4:55 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 4:00 PM MST | 7,300 | 5.49 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 3:05 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 2:10 PM MST | 7,280 | 5.48 | – |
| Nov 3, 1:15 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | – |
| Nov 3, 12:20 PM MST | 7,280 | 5.48 | – |
| Nov 3, 11:25 AM MST | 7,280 | 5.48 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 10:30 AM MST | 7,640 | 5.64 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 9:35 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 8:40 AM MST | 7,280 | 5.48 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 6:50 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 5:55 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 5:00 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 4:05 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 3, 3:10 AM MST | 7,280 | 5.48 | – |
| Nov 3, 2:15 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | – |
| Nov 3, 1:20 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | – |
| Nov 3, 12:25 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 11:30 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 10:35 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 9:40 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 7:50 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 6:55 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 6:00 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 5:05 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 4:10 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | – |
| Nov 2, 3:15 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | – |
| Nov 2, 2:20 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | – |
| Nov 2, 1:25 PM MST | 7,190 | 5.44 | 48.7 |
| Nov 2, 12:30 PM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.7 |
| Nov 2, 11:35 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.7 |
| Nov 2, 10:40 AM MST | 7,010 | 5.36 | 48.7 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.7 |
| Nov 2, 8:50 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.7 |
| Nov 2, 7:55 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.7 |
| Nov 2, 7:00 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.7 |
| Nov 2, 6:05 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | 48.7 |
| Nov 2, 5:10 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | – |
| Nov 2, 4:15 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | – |
| Nov 2, 3:20 AM MST | 7,250 | 5.47 | – |
| Nov 2, 2:25 AM MST | 7,280 | 5.48 | 48.9 |
| Nov 2, 1:30 AM MST | 7,300 | 5.49 | 48.9 |
| Nov 2, 12:35 AM MST | 7,160 | 5.43 | 48.7 |
| Nov 1, 11:40 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 9:50 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 8:55 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 8:00 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 7:05 PM MST | 7,230 | 5.46 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 6:10 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 1, 5:15 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 1, 4:20 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 1, 3:25 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 2:30 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 1:35 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 12:40 PM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 10:50 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 9:55 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 9:00 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 8:05 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 7:10 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 1, 6:15 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 1, 5:20 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Nov 1, 4:25 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.3 |
| Nov 1, 3:30 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.3 |
| Nov 1, 2:35 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.3 |
| Nov 1, 1:40 AM MST | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.3 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.3 |
| Nov 1, 12:50 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 11:55 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 11:00 PM MDT | 7,230 | 5.46 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 10:05 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.5 |
| Oct 31, 9:10 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Oct 31, 8:15 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Oct 31, 7:20 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Oct 31, 6:25 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.5 |
| Oct 31, 5:30 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.5 |
| Oct 31, 4:35 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.6 |
| Oct 31, 3:40 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.6 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.6 |
| Oct 31, 1:50 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.6 |
| Oct 31, 12:55 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.6 |
| Oct 31, 12:00 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.6 |
| Oct 31, 11:05 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.8 |
| Oct 31, 10:10 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Oct 31, 9:15 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Oct 31, 8:20 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Oct 31, 7:25 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.8 |
| Oct 31, 6:30 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.8 |
| Oct 31, 5:35 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.8 |
| Oct 31, 4:40 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.8 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.8 |
| Oct 31, 2:50 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.8 |
| Oct 31, 1:55 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.8 |
| Oct 31, 1:00 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.8 |
| Oct 31, 12:05 AM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 49.8 |
| Oct 30, 11:10 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Oct 30, 10:15 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Oct 30, 9:20 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Oct 30, 8:25 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 50 |
| Oct 30, 7:30 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 50 |
| Oct 30, 6:35 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 50 |
| Oct 30, 5:40 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 50.2 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 50.2 |
| Oct 30, 3:50 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 50.2 |
| Oct 30, 2:55 PM MDT | 7,190 | 5.44 | 50.2 |
| Oct 30, 2:00 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 1:05 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 12:10 PM MDT | 7,210 | 5.45 | – |
| Oct 30, 11:15 AM MDT | 7,190 | 5.44 | – |
| Oct 30, 10:20 AM MDT | 7,280 | 5.48 | – |
| Oct 30, 9:25 AM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 8:30 AM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 7:35 AM MDT | 7,280 | 5.48 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 6:40 AM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 AM MDT | 7,280 | 5.48 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 4:50 AM MDT | 7,280 | 5.48 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 3:55 AM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 3:00 AM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 2:05 AM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 1:10 AM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | – |
| Oct 30, 12:15 AM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | – |
| Oct 29, 11:20 PM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | – |
| Oct 29, 10:25 PM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | 50.5 |
| Oct 29, 9:30 PM MDT | 7,280 | 5.48 | 50.5 |
| Oct 29, 8:35 PM MDT | 7,280 | 5.48 | 50.7 |
| Oct 29, 7:40 PM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | 50.7 |
| Oct 29, 6:45 PM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | 50.7 |
| Oct 29, 5:50 PM MDT | 7,280 | 5.48 | 50.9 |
| Oct 29, 4:55 PM MDT | 7,280 | 5.48 | 50.9 |
| Oct 29, 4:00 PM MDT | 7,410 | 5.54 | 50.9 |
| Oct 29, 3:05 PM MDT | 7,300 | 5.49 | 51.1 |
| Oct 29, 2:50 PM MDT | 7,280 | 5.48 | 51.1 |
Normal for Nov 5: 5,250–10,300 ft³/s (middle half of 88 years of record). Now: 7,210 ft³/s, normal.
Normal for this date. 7,210 ft³/s is between the 25th and 75th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 88 years of record (1939–2026): 10th 3,990, 25th 5,250, median 7,460, 75th 10,300, 90th 11,800 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 2,820 ft³/s, highest 20,400 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (+0% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 5.45 ft stage, 7,210 ft³/s at Nov 5, 12:50 PM MST (NWS gauge FPOM8; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 8:42 AM MST. Highest point: 5.45 ft, 7,210 ft³/s on Nov 5, 11:00 AM MST (Below NWS action stage).
| Day | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 5 | 5.45 ft | 7,210 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 6 | 5.45 ft | 7,210 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 7 | 5.45 ft | 7,210 ft³/s |
| Sun, Nov 8 | 5.45 ft | 7,210 ft³/s |
| Mon, Nov 9 | 5.45 ft | 7,210 ft³/s |
| Tue, Nov 10 | 5.45 ft | 7,210 ft³/s |
| Wed, Nov 11 | 5.45 ft | 7,210 ft³/s |
| Thu, Nov 12 | 5.45 ft | 7,210 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 5.45 ft | 7,210 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 14 | 5.45 ft | 7,210 ft³/s |
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
Under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Water 47.7°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 48°F. Montana FWP cites a study in which trout “caught and released from water with a temperature above 68 degrees F were far more likely to perish than those taken from cooler water.” Water warms through the day: “Fish in the cool morning hours.”
“Giving a hoot”, Montana Outdoors (July–August 2024) (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks) Drought and fishing (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)This gauge is on our page for Flathead River, but no agency page we read lists its species.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Cold water. Water 47.7°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
USGS 12388700 · NWS PERM8
What the agencies suggest
Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatureNational Park Service
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 1:30 PM MST · provisional USGS data
Normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 2:30 PM MDT to Nov 5, 1:30 PM MST; ranging 7,510 to 7,680 ft³/s; latest 7,560 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) | Water temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 1:30 PM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 47.1 |
| Nov 5, 12:30 PM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.8 |
| Nov 5, 11:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.6 |
| Nov 5, 10:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.4 |
| Nov 5, 9:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.4 |
| Nov 5, 8:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.4 |
| Nov 5, 7:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.4 |
| Nov 5, 6:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.6 |
| Nov 5, 5:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.6 |
| Nov 5, 4:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.6 |
| Nov 5, 3:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.8 |
| Nov 5, 2:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.8 |
| Nov 5, 1:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.8 |
| Nov 5, 12:30 AM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.8 |
| Nov 4, 11:30 PM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.8 |
| Nov 4, 10:30 PM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 9:30 PM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 8:30 PM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 7:30 PM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 6:30 PM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 5:30 PM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 4:30 PM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 3:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 2:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 1:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 46.8 |
| Nov 4, 12:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 46.8 |
| Nov 4, 11:30 AM MST | 7,630 | 8.55 | 46.6 |
| Nov 4, 10:30 AM MST | 7,630 | 8.55 | 46.6 |
| Nov 4, 9:30 AM MST | 7,630 | 8.55 | 46.6 |
| Nov 4, 8:30 AM MST | 7,630 | 8.55 | 46.6 |
| Nov 4, 7:30 AM MST | 7,630 | 8.55 | 46.6 |
| Nov 4, 6:30 AM MST | 7,650 | 8.56 | 46.8 |
| Nov 4, 5:30 AM MST | 7,650 | 8.56 | 46.8 |
| Nov 4, 4:30 AM MST | 7,650 | 8.56 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 3:30 AM MST | 7,650 | 8.56 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 2:30 AM MST | 7,680 | 8.57 | 46.9 |
| Nov 4, 1:30 AM MST | 7,650 | 8.56 | 47.1 |
| Nov 4, 12:30 AM MST | 7,630 | 8.55 | 47.3 |
| Nov 3, 11:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 47.3 |
| Nov 3, 10:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 47.5 |
| Nov 3, 9:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 47.5 |
| Nov 3, 8:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 47.7 |
| Nov 3, 7:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 47.7 |
| Nov 3, 6:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 47.8 |
| Nov 3, 5:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 47.8 |
| Nov 3, 4:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48 |
| Nov 3, 3:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48 |
| Nov 3, 2:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 48 |
| Nov 3, 1:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 47.8 |
| Nov 3, 12:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 47.7 |
| Nov 3, 11:30 AM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 47.5 |
| Nov 3, 10:30 AM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 47.5 |
| Nov 3, 9:30 AM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 47.3 |
| Nov 3, 8:30 AM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 47.3 |
| Nov 3, 7:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 47.3 |
| Nov 3, 6:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 47.3 |
| Nov 3, 5:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 47.5 |
| Nov 3, 4:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 47.5 |
| Nov 3, 3:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 47.7 |
| Nov 3, 2:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48 |
| Nov 3, 1:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.2 |
| Nov 3, 12:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.4 |
| Nov 2, 11:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 10:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 48.7 |
| Nov 2, 9:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 48.9 |
| Nov 2, 8:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.3 |
| Nov 2, 7:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.5 |
| Nov 2, 6:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.6 |
| Nov 2, 5:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.8 |
| Nov 2, 4:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 50 |
| Nov 2, 3:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 50 |
| Nov 2, 2:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.8 |
| Nov 2, 1:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.5 |
| Nov 2, 12:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.5 |
| Nov 2, 11:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.1 |
| Nov 2, 10:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 9:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.2 |
| Nov 2, 8:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.2 |
| Nov 2, 7:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.2 |
| Nov 2, 6:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.2 |
| Nov 2, 5:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.2 |
| Nov 2, 4:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.4 |
| Nov 2, 3:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.4 |
| Nov 2, 2:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.4 |
| Nov 2, 1:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.6 |
| Nov 2, 12:30 AM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.6 |
| Nov 1, 11:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.6 |
| Nov 1, 10:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.7 |
| Nov 1, 9:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.7 |
| Nov 1, 8:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 7:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 6:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 5:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.3 |
| Nov 1, 4:30 PM MST | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.3 |
| Nov 1, 3:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.3 |
| Nov 1, 2:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.3 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 PM MST | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 12:30 PM MST | 7,560 | 8.52 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 11:30 AM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 10:30 AM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 9:30 AM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 48.7 |
| Nov 1, 8:30 AM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 7:30 AM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 6:30 AM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 48.9 |
| Nov 1, 5:30 AM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 4:30 AM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 3:30 AM MST | 7,510 | 8.5 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 2:30 AM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 AM MST | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.1 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 AM MDT | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.3 |
| Nov 1, 12:30 AM MDT | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 11:30 PM MDT | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.1 |
| Oct 31, 10:30 PM MDT | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.1 |
| Oct 31, 9:30 PM MDT | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 8:30 PM MDT | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 7:30 PM MDT | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 6:30 PM MDT | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 5:30 PM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 4:30 PM MDT | 7,540 | 8.51 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 3:30 PM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 2:30 PM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 49.1 |
| Oct 31, 1:30 PM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 48.9 |
| Oct 31, 12:30 PM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 48.9 |
| Oct 31, 11:30 AM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 48.7 |
| Oct 31, 10:30 AM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 48.7 |
| Oct 31, 9:30 AM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 48.7 |
| Oct 31, 8:30 AM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 48.9 |
| Oct 31, 7:30 AM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 48.9 |
| Oct 31, 6:30 AM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 49.1 |
| Oct 31, 5:30 AM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 49.1 |
| Oct 31, 4:30 AM MDT | 7,560 | 8.52 | 49.1 |
| Oct 31, 3:30 AM MDT | 7,580 | 8.53 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 2:30 AM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.3 |
| Oct 31, 1:30 AM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.5 |
| Oct 31, 12:30 AM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.5 |
| Oct 30, 11:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.6 |
| Oct 30, 10:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.6 |
| Oct 30, 9:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.6 |
| Oct 30, 8:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.6 |
| Oct 30, 7:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.8 |
| Oct 30, 6:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 49.8 |
| Oct 30, 5:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 50 |
| Oct 30, 4:30 PM MDT | 7,580 | 8.53 | 50 |
| Oct 30, 3:30 PM MDT | 7,580 | 8.53 | 50 |
| Oct 30, 2:30 PM MDT | 7,580 | 8.53 | 50.2 |
| Oct 30, 1:30 PM MDT | 7,580 | 8.53 | 50 |
| Oct 30, 12:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 50 |
| Oct 30, 11:30 AM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 50 |
| Oct 30, 10:30 AM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 50 |
| Oct 30, 9:30 AM MDT | 7,630 | 8.55 | 50.2 |
| Oct 30, 8:30 AM MDT | 7,630 | 8.55 | 50.2 |
| Oct 30, 7:30 AM MDT | 7,630 | 8.55 | 50.4 |
| Oct 30, 6:30 AM MDT | 7,630 | 8.55 | 50.5 |
| Oct 30, 5:30 AM MDT | 7,630 | 8.55 | 50.5 |
| Oct 30, 4:30 AM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 50.7 |
| Oct 30, 3:30 AM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 50.9 |
| Oct 30, 2:30 AM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 50.9 |
| Oct 30, 1:30 AM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 51.1 |
| Oct 30, 12:30 AM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 51.3 |
| Oct 29, 11:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 51.4 |
| Oct 29, 10:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 51.6 |
| Oct 29, 9:30 PM MDT | 7,630 | 8.55 | 51.6 |
| Oct 29, 8:30 PM MDT | 7,630 | 8.55 | 51.8 |
| Oct 29, 7:30 PM MDT | 7,630 | 8.55 | 52 |
| Oct 29, 6:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 52 |
| Oct 29, 5:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 52 |
| Oct 29, 4:30 PM MDT | 7,610 | 8.54 | 52.2 |
| Oct 29, 3:30 PM MDT | 7,630 | 8.55 | 51.8 |
| Oct 29, 2:30 PM MDT | 7,630 | 8.55 | 51.4 |
Normal for Nov 5: 6,040–10,900 ft³/s (middle half of 43 years of record). Now: 7,560 ft³/s, normal.
Normal for this date. 7,560 ft³/s is between the 25th and 75th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 43 years of record (1984–2026): 10th 4,790, 25th 6,040, median 9,120, 75th 10,900, 90th 12,600 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 4,020 ft³/s, highest 19,700 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (−0.7% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
NWS observed 8.52 ft stage, 7,560 ft³/s at Nov 5, 1:30 PM MST (NWS gauge PERM8; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
NWS has not set flood categories for this gauge.
NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 8:42 AM MST. Highest point: 8.56 ft, 7,650 ft³/s on Nov 14, 5:00 PM MST.
| Day | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 5 | 8.52 ft | 7,560 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 6 | 8.52 ft | 7,560 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 7 | 8.53 ft | 7,580 ft³/s |
| Sun, Nov 8 | 8.54 ft | 7,610 ft³/s |
| Mon, Nov 9 | 8.54 ft | 7,610 ft³/s |
| Tue, Nov 10 | 8.54 ft | 7,610 ft³/s |
| Wed, Nov 11 | 8.55 ft | 7,630 ft³/s |
| Thu, Nov 12 | 8.55 ft | 7,630 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 8.55 ft | 7,630 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 14 | 8.56 ft | 7,650 ft³/s |
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
Under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Water 47.1°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 47.1°F. Montana FWP cites a study in which trout “caught and released from water with a temperature above 68 degrees F were far more likely to perish than those taken from cooler water.” Water warms through the day: “Fish in the cool morning hours.”
“Giving a hoot”, Montana Outdoors (July–August 2024) (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks) Drought and fishing (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)This gauge is on our page for Flathead River, but no agency page we read lists its species.
Cold water. Water 47.1°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
Checked Nov 5, 2:22 PM MST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Flathead LakeEnnis Lake, Montana, in March, with the Madison Range beyond. Photo: Gloria Cabada-Leman, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr Not Flathead Lake.
Montana · about 15 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Lake Mary RonanHenrys Lake from Henrys Lake State Park, Idaho. Photo: James Postema, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Lake Mary Ronan.
Montana · about 18 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Swan LakeLake Billy Chinook, Oregon. Photo: icetsarina, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Swan Lake.
Montana · about 25 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Swan RiverThe lower Blackfoot River east of Missoula. Photo: Bureau of Land Management, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Swan River.
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Church SloughEagle Lake, Lassen County, California, with dry Horse Lake in the foreground (aerial). Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Church Slough.
Montana · about 32 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Echo LakeCrowley Lake and the Long Valley Caldera from US 395. Photo: Clinton Steeds, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Echo Lake.
Montana · about 32 mi
