Current Stream Flows

For more information, and to check the conditions on your favorite fishing streams, please use the links below.

• Current, real time, stream flow conditions
• Stream flow and surface water records for Montana

The data and data access provided on the above web links were developed and are maintained by the United State Geological Survey's Montana Water Resources Office. Most of these gage sites and the web page access to the data are paid for under the Survey's cooperative program. Under this program the federal government and the cooperator, such as FWP, share the costs associated with installing, monitoring and marinating the gage and associated data. USGS

Fishing Restrictions and Closures

Low stream flow conditions and related high temperatures clearly effect fish habitat and fish health. Under sever conditions FWP may restrict or curtail sport fishing when necessary to protect a species or population. See links below for more information.

• Current River and Stream Closures
• Drought Fishing Closure Policy
• Fisheries Drought Contingency Plan 2.9 MB
• Administrative Rules Governing Angling Restriction and Fishing Closure — ARM 12.5.507 to 509

Drought Response and Management Plans

• Jefferson River Drought Management Plan (Courtesy JRWC)
• Big Hole River 66 KB
• Blackfoot River 30 KB
• Drought and Montana's Wild Trout
• How Anglers and Irrigators Can Help

The Effects of Drought on Wildlife

Wildland fires can destroy hundreds, sometimes thousands, of acres of habitat and displace wildlife. Late season fires may also affect hunting season dates, hunting opportunities and the conditon of winter range for deer, elk and other species. When wildland fires break out, check here for information on how they may be affecting Montana's wildlife.

Governors Drought Advisory Committee

The Governor's Drought Advisory Committee was established by an act of the Montana State Legislature, MCA Sec. 2-15-3308 Drought advisory committee, in 1991 following the drought years of the late 1980s, including the highly publicized Yellowstone National Park wildfire year of 1988. State voting member agencies include the Governor's Office, DNRC, DEQ, FWP, Agriculture, Livestock, Commerce, and Disaster Services. Federal reporting partners include the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Agricultural Statistics Service, and the National Weather Service. Other reporters include the multi-agency Northern Rockies Coordination Center for fire conditions, Montana Tech's Groundwater Information Center, Montana Climate Office, USDA Farm Service Agency, U.S. Congressional delegation representatives, U.S. Small Business Administration, Rural Development, and Montana State University Extension Service. Learn More

Annual Drought Reports

Montana Fish,Wildlife & Parks continuously monitors drought conditions and how they may be impacting the state's fisheries. To review these detailed reports throughout the fishing season, please check the links below.

• 2009 Annual Drought Update 266 KB
• 2008 Annual Drought Update 292 KB
• 2006 Annual FWP Drought Summary 308 KB
• 2005 Annual FWP Drought Summary 242 KB