Montana
Bitterroot River at Bell Crossing near Victor
Location Snapshot
Bitterroot River at Bell Crossing near Victor is a western Montana valley trout reach between the upper Bitterroot and Missoula. Rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout define the fishery across braided runs, riffles, and undercut banks.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
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
- 392 CFS
- Gage Height
- 4.51 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 21, 2026, 12:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 12350250 · 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
62°F
Feels like
58°F
Wind
3 mph N
Wind gust
3 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 4:45 PM
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 8 PM
Clear
Temp 52°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 12 AM
Overcast
Temp 45°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Wed 4 AM
Clear
Temp 41°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 8 AM
Clear
Temp 39°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 12 PM
Clear
Temp 56°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Wed 4 PM
Clear
Temp 70°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 62°F / Low 34°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 5 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 70°F / Low 39°F
Chance 4%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 13 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Drizzle
High 71°F / Low 45°F
Chance 71%
Precip 0.03 in
Max gust 8 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Drizzle
High 55°F / Low 44°F
Chance 88%
Precip 0.02 in
Max gust 12 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 Bitterroot River at Bell Crossing near Victor.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Bitterroot 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
Ravalli, 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
Ravalli
Management Category
Wild trout river
Regulation Scope
Bitterroot River at Bell Crossing near Victor.
Regulation Summary
Bitterroot at Bell Crossing: FWP Western District regulations unless an Exception applies. Confirm current closures.
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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