Big Hole River river run
Big Hole River
The Big Hole River is located in the southwest part of Montana and is a popular destination for fly fishing and whitewater rafting. The ideal streamflow range for rafting is between 1,500 and 3,000 cfs. The class rating for the river ranges from Class I to Class IV, depending on the section of the river. The segment mileage for the river is around 150 miles, with the most popular section for rafting being the 30-mile stretch between the North Fork and Sportsman's Access.
The river is known for its challenging rapids and obstacles, including the Notch, which is a Class IV rapid that requires skill and experience to navigate. Other notable rapids include the Maiden Rock and the Jerry Creek Falls.
There are specific regulations in place for the Big Hole River, including a catch-and-release policy for trout and a limit on the number of commercial outfitters allowed to operate on the river. There are also restrictions on camping and fires along the river.
Overall, the Big Hole River offers a thrilling whitewater rafting experience for those looking for a challenge. It's important to follow regulations and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Big Hole River -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big Hole River At Maiden Rock Nr Divide Mt | 1,610 cfs | → |
| Big Hole River Near Melrose Mt | 1,510 cfs | → |
| Big Hole River Near Glen Mt | 1,460 cfs | → |
| Jefferson River Near Twin Bridges Mt | 1,560 cfs | → |
| Ruby River Near Twin Bridges Mt | 33 cfs | → |
| Big Hole River Near Wise River Mt | 112 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Big Hole River as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Big Hole River
What's the optimal flow for Big Hole River?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Big Hole River.