More Hoot-Owl Fishing Restrictions Take Effect July 22 on Montana Rivers Due to Warm Water Temperatures

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has announced additional hoot-owl fishing restrictions for several rivers across the state as rising water temperatures continue to create stressful conditions for trout and other cold-water fish.

The new restrictions take effect Tuesday, July 22, and prohibit fishing daily from 2 p.m. until midnight on several stretches of rivers in southwest, central, and western Montana.

FWP says the restrictions are intended to reduce stress on fish during the hottest part of the day, when warm water temperatures and low stream flows can significantly increase fish mortality.

Rivers Affected Beginning July 22

The following river sections will be placed under hoot-owl restrictions:

• Big Hole River: From the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River downstream to Dickie Bridge.

• Madison River: From Eight Mile Ford Fishing Access Site downstream to Ennis Reservoir.

• Shields River: From the bridge upstream of Wilsall between Jordan Bench Road and Pinkerton Road to the confluence with the Yellowstone River.

• Yellowstone River: From the U.S. Highway 89 bridge near Livingston downstream to the U.S. Highway 212/310 bridge in Laurel.

• Smith River: From the confluence of the North and South forks of the Smith River downstream to Eden Bridge.

• Upper Clark Fork River: From the river's origin at the confluence of Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek downstream to the mouth of Flint Creek.

• Bitterroot River: The entire river, from the confluence of the East and West forks to its confluence with the Clark Fork River.

Additional Restrictions Already in Effect

FWP noted that fishing restrictions are already in place on several other Montana rivers and additional sections of some of the waterways listed above, including portions of the Beaverhead River, Big Hole River, Madison River, Jefferson River, Gallatin River, East Gallatin River, and Ruby River.

Anglers are encouraged to check current restrictions before heading out, as conditions may continue to change throughout the summer.

Why Hoot-Owl Restrictions Are Implemented

According to FWP, hoot-owl restrictions are triggered when stream flows fall below critical levels, water quality declines, or river temperatures reach thresholds that threaten fish health.

For most trout waters, restrictions are implemented after maximum daily water temperatures reach 73 degrees for three consecutive days. In waters that support native cutthroat trout, restrictions begin when temperatures reach 66 degrees for three consecutive days.

Water temperatures of 77 degrees or higher can be lethal to trout, making catch-and-release fishing especially stressful during the afternoon and evening hours.

FWP encourages anglers who fish during legal morning hours to minimize handling time by landing fish quickly, keeping them in the water whenever possible, and allowing fish to fully recover before release.

Officials also recommend considering cooler fishing destinations such as higher-elevation lakes and streams or larger lakes and reservoirs during periods of extreme summer heat.

FWP will continue monitoring stream temperatures and flows throughout the summer and may expand or lift restrictions as environmental conditions change.