HELENA — State wildlife officials will be implementing “hoot-owl” fishing restrictions on several Montana rivers starting on Friday, July 12 due to the ongoing hot weather.
These restrictions prohibit fishing between 2 p.m. and midnight, and will remain in effect until further notice.
The affected rivers for the hoot-owl restrictions effective July 12 include:
- Big Hole River – Entire river downstream of Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road
- Smith River – From Eden Bridge to the confluence of the North and South forks
- East Gallatin River – Entire river
- Gallatin River – From Amsterdam Road to the confluence with the Missouri River
- Madison River – From Ennis Fishing Access Site (FAS) to Ennis Reservoir
- Clark Fork River – From Rock Creek near Clinton to the confluence with the Flathead River
- Bitterroot River – Entire river, from the confluence of the East and West Forks to the Clark Fork River
- Blackfoot River – From Cedar Meadow FAS to the confluence with the Clark Fork River
Hoot owl restrictions also remain in effect for portions of the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Clark Fork, Madison, Ruby, and Sun rivers, as well as the Jefferson River and Silver Bow Creek in their entirety.
According to a news release by FWP, fishing restrictions are implemented when water levels drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is compromised, or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73º for three consecutive days.
For the most up-to-date information on waterbody restrictions in Montana, click here.
