Our River Conditions map displays Big Hole River stream gage locations and readings, Big Hole River Drought Management Plan trigger locations, and developing streamflow and temperature trends. *Please note: Many of the gages on the map below report seasonally, making streamflow and temperature readings unavailable November-May.
Thank you to George Grant Trout Unlimited for covering the annual operating costs of the Big Hole River’s three temperature gages since 2021!
ABOUT THE RIVER CONDITIONS TOOL
This version of the River Conditions web tool was developed by the USFWS and the Missouri Headwaters Partnership in 2018. It was developed with input from the BHWC and is based on a similar tool first created by the BHWC in 2016.
BIG HOLE RIVER DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PLAN
SHARED SACRIFICE, SHARED SUCCESS
The Big Hole River Drought Management Plan designates target river flow and temperature conditions for fish health in five river sections of the Big Hole River. The plan includes voluntary conservation targets for all water users, MFWP fishing restriction criteria, and information tools. Conservation actions are designed support the health of the fishery.
The plan outlines voluntary conservation actions and relies on Shared Sacrifice, Shared Success – if all users sacrifice, we can all be successful in protecting the fishery. The plan also designates MFWP fishing restrictions when drought conditions reach critical levels.
The Big Hole River Drought Management Plan was first drafted in 1997. The plan is reviewed annually (and updated as needed) by a subcommittee of irrigators, anglers, agency/conservation group members, and BHWC board and staff.
RESOURCES
- Big Hole River Drought Management Plan, Version 2025
- Big Hole River Drought Management Plan Quick Reference, Version 2025
- Big Hole River Drought Management Plan Amendments, Version 2024
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Current Water Body Restrictions
- DNRC Stream and Gage Explorer (StAGE)
In the News
- Montana Standard (5/1/25): Big Hole River’s rare Arctic grayling now threatened by government retreat
- Montana Standard (4/28/25): Be on the lookout for tagged trout in Big Hole, Beaverhead, Madison and Ruby rivers
- FWP (4/28/25): Catching On: FWP, MSU Ask Anglers for Help with Trout Research in Southwestern Montana
- Montana Standard (4/24/25): Big Hole advocates don’t take ‘no’ for an answer from DEQ
- Montana Standard (4/18/25): Save Wild Trout absorbs Big Hole River Foundation
- Montana Standard (4/16/25): Montana DEQ rejects petition targeting Big Hole River nutrients pollution
- Montana Standard (4/10/25): River advocates seek ‘impaired’ designation for Big Hole River
- Montana Public Radio – The Big Why (3/13/25): What is ‘conifer expansion’ and how does it affect the water supply?
- Montana Standard (2/20): Low flows, warm water combine to make fish parasite lethal, Montana Tech researcher finds