
Hoot-Owl Restrictions Enforced Across Southwest Montana
Effective today at 2 p.m., angling restrictions will once again be imposed on several rivers in southwest Montana due to rising temperatures and reduced water flows.
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has implemented "hoot-owl" restrictions, prohibiting fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight daily until further notice.
These restrictions are being enacted to safeguard fish populations during periods when environmental stressors, such as high water temperatures, threaten their survival. According to FWP's drought policy, angling limitations are necessary when water levels drop below critical thresholds for fish habitat or when daily water temperatures persist at 73 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for three consecutive days. Trout, in particular, are at risk of mortality when water temperatures exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Affected rivers include:
- Big Hole 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 in its entirety
- Gallatin River from Amsterdam Road to its 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 its confluence with the Flathead River
- Bitterroot River from the confluence of the East and West Forks to the Clark Fork River
- Blackfoot River from Cedar Meadow FAS to its confluence with the Clark Fork River
Additionally, hoot-owl restrictions remain in effect for sections 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.
The purpose of these measures is to minimize stress on fish, which are more vulnerable to disease and mortality during periods of extreme heat and low water flow. FWP encourages anglers to adopt practices that reduce the impact on fish populations, such as fishing during cooler morning hours and minimizing handling time.

Anglers are advised to consider alternative fishing locations with more favorable conditions, such as larger lakes or reservoirs at higher elevations, if high temperatures and low flows persist.
For a comprehensive list of affected areas and detailed restrictions, interested parties can visit FWP's official announcement page.
As Montana continues to experience challenging environmental conditions, FWP urges all anglers to prioritize the conservation of fish populations to ensure their long-term sustainability and health.
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