Upper Missouri River Breaks News and Regulations
Stay informed with the latest news, reports, and updates from the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. This page shares current river conditions, access updates, BLM announcements, conservation news, and tourism reports affecting the Upper Missouri River corridor. Whether you’re planning a canoe trip, guided river adventure, or researching this historic Montana landscape, our goal is to provide timely, accurate information to help you navigate the Upper Missouri River Breaks responsibly and confidently.
River Conditions and Float Report
Get current updates on water levels, flow rates, weather impacts, and float conditions along the Upper Missouri River Breaks. These reports help paddlers, boaters, and outfitters plan safe and realistic trips through the monument.
Float Conditions
Flows
We’re running below average this season due to limited snowmelt from the mountains, but a wet May and June brought flows up to average for about a week before dropping back down. Thanks to dam control, the river will maintain a steady, floatable level throughout the summer — so while it’ll be on the lower side, conditions are good.
Mud
The quick rise and fall of flows has left the banks seriously muddy in spots. Before stepping out of your watercraft, do a paddle check — poke your paddle into the bank to test mud depth before you commit. A little caution here saves a lot of boot-sucking misery.
Bugs
Honestly? Not bad right now. Mosquitoes have been a non-issue, and ticks are few and far between — the ones we are seeing are large and easy to spot. There are some no-see-ums showing up on the lower river, so pack a head net if you’re headed that direction.
Water
Potable water is available at Coal Banks Landing and at Kipp Recreation Area. Plan accordingly between those two points.
Closures & Restrictions
Eagle nesting closures are currently in effect at McGarry Bar and Greasewood — please respect these buffers and give our nesting birds a wide berth. Motor boat traffic is downstream only with no-wake restrictions in effect. All Islands are closed due to riparian activity.
Missouri River Breaks — River Report | June 17, 2026
Upper Missouri & Regional News
Updates on conservation efforts, land management, and community news affecting the Upper Missouri River and surrounding areas. This section shares information on stewardship initiatives, policy changes, local developments, and regional issues that influence the health, access, and future of the Upper Missouri River Breaks and nearby communities
Revoking Bison Permits removed from BLM Lands
January 25th, 2026 "This week, the Bureau of Land Management moved to revoke bison grazing permits held by the conservation group American Prairie, following direction from the U.S. Department of the Interior. The decision would overturn a 2022 ruling that allowed bison to graze on seven allotments in Phillips County."
Tourist Pressure
January 1st, 2026 "For some conservation-minded, recreation-based businesses, the growth in visitation to Montana over the past five years has caused a unique sense of tension and prompted questions about their role in protecting public lands."
American Prairie announces new acquisitions, access in Breaks
September 6th, 2025 "American Prairie announced this week it has acquired the Anchor Ranch, its second-largest land purchase to date, and it has reopened access to nearly 50,000 acres of public land in “a special area of the Breaks.”
Montana's Newest State Park Opens at Judith Landing
May 12th, 2025 "Beyond a cattle gate and down an unmarked road, tucked against the banks of the Missouri River, lies a ghost town with stories etched in the landscape. The small, weathered settlement at Judith Landing may appear unassuming, but it holds a key place in Montana—and American—history. Now, it’s officially becoming part of Montana’s future."
Fort Benton receives grant to boost tourism
March 10th, 2025 Seven communities in the state were selected to share $8.75 million in Pilot Community Tourism Grant funds. One of those communities is Fort Benton, which will receive $1.25 million to enhance their economy by boosting tourism appeal.
New Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument manager named
March 20th, 2025 "The Bureau of Land Management has named a new manager of the 378,000-acre Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Becky Cooper will take over the position and comes to Montana from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Bend Field Office in Oregon, where she served for almost three years as an outdoor recreation planner, providing programmatic oversight and management for all Reclamation recreation programs."
Upper Missouri River Breaks Resources
A collection of planning resources, reports, maps, and educational materials for visitors seeking a deeper understanding of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.
Staff Updates & Field Reports
Firsthand updates from our team working and traveling in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. These reports share observations from the river, seasonal conditions, stewardship work, and on-the-ground insights that help visitors better understand current conditions along the Upper Missouri River.
What a GREAT 2025 season in the books. We will see you again next year with a full report on river updates, bugs, current, crowds, campsite updates and more! Enjoy your winter and keep exploring. -Nicolle
