FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 06025500 (Big Hole near Melrose), not a guidebook average. At a typical 900 cfs, a raft drifts about 3.5 mph here. Higher flow speeds you up; skinny water slows you down. Kayaks run faster than the current, tubes slower. Optional fishing adds 35 minutes per mile.
The Big Hole River listing covers 35 river miles across 3 access-to-access stretches (Class I, Class I–II). Times in the table are typical raft hours at that reference flow. Open the live calculator for today's CFS, sunset take-out, water temperature, and rain/UV at the put-in.
See today's Big Hole River float time
Float stretches on the Big Hole River
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide Bridge → Melrose (Salmon Fly FAS) | 14 mi | Class I–II | ~4 hr | The canyon section. Maiden Rock is a midway takeout (~6 mi). Sunday nonresident float closures in summer — check FWP. |
| Melrose (Salmon Fly FAS) → Glen FAS | 14 mi | Class I | ~4 hr | Lower river, more braids. Browne's Bridge is roughly halfway. |
| Glen FAS → Notch Bottom FAS | 7 mi | Class I | ~2 hr | Away from the road. Friday outfitter closure in summer. Watch for rattlesnakes at the takeout. |
How we time this river
Speed scales with discharge using hydraulic geometry v ∝ Q0.34, calibrated to this gauge. That is why a 1,000 cfs afternoon is a different day than 3,000 cfs runoff. Always scout, wear a PFD, and check Montana FWP boating for closures. Gauge page: USGS 06025500.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Divide Bridge to Melrose (Salmon Fly FAS) on the Big Hole River?
About 4 hr in a raft at a typical 900 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. The canyon section. Maiden Rock is a midway takeout (~6 mi). Sunday nonresident float closures in summer — check FWP.
How long does it take to float Melrose (Salmon Fly FAS) to Glen FAS on the Big Hole River?
About 4 hr in a raft at a typical 900 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Lower river, more braids. Browne's Bridge is roughly halfway.
How long does it take to float Glen FAS to Notch Bottom FAS on the Big Hole River?
About 2 hr in a raft at a typical 900 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Away from the road. Friday outfitter closure in summer. Watch for rattlesnakes at the takeout.
What USGS gauge is used for Big Hole River float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 06025500 (Big Hole near Melrose) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 900 cfs drift of about 3.5 mph.
Is the Big Hole River a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). On Class I–II stretches tubes can work at moderate flows; skip high water and always wear a PFD.