Montana’s Snowpack Could Change River Floating and Fishing This Summer

Every spring in Montana, people keep a close eye on the mountains. That’s because what happens up there eventually makes its way down into our rivers. 

Normally, a healthy snowpack leads to a big spring runoff. Rivers run high, fast, and cold as the mountain snow melts. That surge of water can carry debris downstream and, in some areas, even cause flooding. 

But this year could be different. 

Why Montana’s Snowpack Matters for River Conditions

According to information shared with our colleague Dennis Bragg, NWS hydrologist LeeAnn Allegretto says that while we received very robust precipitation in December, it was too warm, and then too dry, to build the snowpack. In fact, forecasters say only two rivers in western Montana currently show much potential for flooding this spring: the Flathead River near Columbia Falls and the Clark Fork River above Missoula, according to Allegretto.  

READ MORE: This Could Be The Biggest “Winter” Storm in Montana

While that might sound like good news for flood concerns, it could affect two activities that Montanans love: floating and fishing. 

A Shorter Window for Floating? 

Floating Montana rivers is always a bit of a balancing act. 

READ MORE: Missoula Co. Sheriff’s Cracking Down on Illegal Floating Parking

Early in the season, rivers can be dangerous. During peak runoff, the water is cold, fast, and often filled with debris coming down from the mountains. 

Later in the summer, the opposite problem can happen. Rivers can drop quickly as snowmelt disappears and temperatures rise, leaving water levels too low in many places for a good float. 

If runoff is smaller than usual this year, that sweet spot in the middle could be shorter than normal. That could mean a limited window for floating rivers across western Montana. 

READ MORE: Is It Illegal to Drink While Floating on Montana Rivers?

Fishing conditions can also change quickly when the snowpack is low. 

When river flows drop, and water temperatures rise, FWP often implements “hoot owl” restrictions, which limit fishing during the hottest parts of the day to protect fish from stress. 

If rivers warm earlier than usual this summer, anglers could see those restrictions arrive sooner than normal. 

Watching the Rivers This Spring 

For now, it’s still early in the season. A lot can change depending on spring storms and how quickly temperatures warm up across the mountains. 

What to Watch as Spring Unfolds

But based on current snowpack levels, western Montana may see a shorter and less intense runoff period this year—something that could affect both floating and fishing throughout the summer. 

As spring unfolds, we’ll continue watching river levels and conditions across the region.