Montana
Bighorn River near St. Xavier
Location Snapshot
Near St. Xavier, the Bighorn flows through southeastern Montana below Yellowtail Afterbay as a broad, regulated trout river distinct from the Wyoming Bighorn at Kane. Rainbow and brown trout anchor a productive coldwater fishery shaped by long runs, riffles, and deep tailwater channels.
Current River Rating
Fair · 52
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 1590 CFS
- Gage Height
- 60.9 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 11:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 06287000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
50°F
Feels like
44°F
Wind
3 mph W
Wind gust
3 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 3:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 6 AM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Tue 10 AM
Clear
Temp 56°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 2 PM
Clear
Temp 65°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 6 PM
Overcast
Temp 60°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Tue 10 PM
Overcast
Temp 51°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 2 AM
Overcast
Temp 46°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 66°F / Low 48°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 15 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 69°F / Low 41°F
Chance 4%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 6 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 77°F / Low 60°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 10 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Showers
High 75°F / Low 47°F
Chance 79%
Precip 0.47 in
Max gust 29 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild brown and rainbow trout are in the Bighorn River near St. Xavier.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Bighorn River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Mixed flow regime
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Big Horn, Montana
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Big Horn
Management Category
Wild trout tailwater
Regulation Scope
Bighorn River below Yellowtail Afterbay near St. Xavier.
Regulation Summary
Bighorn below Afterbay near St. Xavier: FWP regulations unless an Exception applies. Confirm current closures and land status.
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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