Hoot-Owl Fishing Restrictions Expand Across Southwest Montana Beginning July 15; Part of Madison River Closes to Fishing
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Southwestern, Mont. — Anglers planning to fish rivers in Southwest Montana will face new restrictions beginning Wednesday, July 15, as warming water temperatures continue to stress trout populations across the region.
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) announced Tuesday that additional hoot-owl fishing restrictions will take effect on several rivers, including portions of the Big Hole River, Beaverhead River, Madison River, Jefferson River, Gallatin River, East Gallatin River, and Ruby River. A section of the Madison River near Ennis will also be completely closed to fishing.
Madison River Closure
Effective Wednesday, July 15, the Madison River from Madison Dam at Ennis Reservoir downstream to the footbridge at the NorthWestern Energy powerhouse will be closed to all fishing at all hours.
According to FWP, unusually warm water being released from Ennis Reservoir is preventing the river from cooling overnight, creating conditions that are harmful to trout.
New Hoot-Owl Fishing Restrictions
Beginning at 2 p.m. on July 15, anglers will not be allowed to fish between 2 p.m. and midnight each day on the following waters:
Big Hole River: From Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River, and from Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site to the confluence with the Beaverhead River.
Gallatin River: From Cameron Bridge Road to the confluence with the Missouri River.
East Gallatin River: Entire river.
Jefferson River: Entire river.
Madison River: From the footbridge at the NorthWestern Energy powerhouse to the confluence with the Jefferson River.
Ruby River: From Duncan District Road to the confluence with the Beaverhead River.
Existing Restrictions Remain in Place
FWP also reminds anglers that several Southwest Montana waters were already under hoot-owl restrictions before this latest expansion.
Current restrictions remain in effect on:
Madison River above Hebgen Reservoir, from the upstream Yellowstone National Park boundary to Hebgen Reservoir.
A previously restricted section of the lower Madison River from Warm Springs Fishing Access Site to the Jefferson River confluence.
The Lower Beaverhead River, from Highway 41 near East Bench Road and Beaverhead Rock downstream to its confluence with the Big Hole River.
These restrictions will remain in effect until river conditions improve.
Why the Restrictions Are Necessary
FWP implements hoot-owl restrictions when stream flows become critically low, water quality declines, or water temperatures reach 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Trout become increasingly stressed as water temperatures rise, and temperatures of 77 degrees or higher can be fatal.
Restricting fishing to the cooler morning hours helps reduce stress on fish and improves survival rates for catch-and-release fishing.
FWP encourages anglers who continue fishing during legal hours to land fish quickly, keep them in the water as much as possible, and fully revive them before release.
Officials also recommend fishing larger lakes, reservoirs, or higher-elevation waters during the hottest part of the summer, where water temperatures remain cooler.
FWP will continue monitoring stream temperatures and water flows throughout the summer and may adjust restrictions as conditions change.
Anglers can find the latest fishing restrictions, closures, and interactive maps on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.
