Warm Water Prompts Hoot-Owl Restrictions On Entire Main Stem Of Bitterroot River

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks is advising anglers that the entire main stem of the Bitterroot River (from the confluence with the Clark Fork near Missoula, to the confluence with the East and West Forks) is now under hoot-owl restrictions, effective Monday, July 24, due to warm water conditions. Hoot-owl restrictions close fishing daily from 2 p.m. to midnight.

FWP's drought policy provides for angling restrictions when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished, or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can be lethal to trout. Restrictions of this nature are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when conditions like this exist.

The hoot-owl restrictions for the upper Bitterroot (Veteran’s Bridge at Hamilton to the confluence with the East and West Forks), which have been in effect since July 19, are based on more conservative criteria for cutthroat trout (temperatures that reach or exceed 66 degrees for three consecutive days). The East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River remain out of restrictions.

Anglers anywhere can also help reduce stress and mortality for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur:

• Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted.

• Keep the fish in water as much as possible.

• Let the fish recover before releasing it.

If high temperatures and extremely low flows persist, anglers may want to consider fishing areas with less stressful temperatures and conditions, such as larger lakes or reservoirs, or higher elevation waterbodies.

For the latest waterbody restrictions and closures, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures.