Hoot-Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted on Part of Big Hole River

HELENA, Mont. — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has lifted the hoot-owl fishing restriction on a section of the Big Hole River as stream temperatures decrease.

The restriction was lifted immediately on the river from its confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River downstream to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site, also known as Notch.

Drought-related closures remain in effect upstream of the North Fork and downstream from Tony Schoonen to the Big Hole River’s confluence with the Beaverhead River.

Anglers should verify the status of the section they plan to fish before entering the water.

Other Restrictions Lifted

FWP also lifted hoot-owl restrictions on the following waterways:

Region 2

• Upper Clark Fork River from the confluence of Warm Springs and Silver Bow creeks to the confluence with the Blackfoot River

• Lower Bitterroot River from Veterans Bridge in Hamilton to the confluence with the Clark Fork River

• Silver Bow Creek from its confluence with Blacktail Creek at Montana Street in Butte to the mouth of Warm Springs Creek at the Gas City Road Bridge

Region 3

• East Gallatin River

• Shields River from the bridge upstream of Wilsall between Jordan Bench and Pinkerton roads to Brackett Creek Road

Hoot-owl restrictions remain in effect on the Shields River downstream to its confluence with the Yellowstone River.

Restrictions Protect Fish During Warm Conditions

Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. They are imposed to reduce angling-related stress and fish mortality when water temperatures become dangerously warm.

Full fishing closures prohibit angling throughout the day.

FWP said water conservation remains important for Montana’s fisheries. Agency staff continue working with irrigators and other partners to improve streamflow's and in-stream conditions where possible.

Anglers can reduce stress on fish by landing them quickly, keeping them in the water and allowing them to recover before release.

Current restrictions and closures are available on the FWP waterbody closures and restrictions page.