Hoot-owl restrictions lifted around western Montana

After recent rain and cooler temperatures, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks lifted fishing restrictions on several rivers around the state last week. Water temperatures have cooled enough in some areas to meet the criteria to lift fishing restrictions.

In southwest Montana, hoot owl restrictions were lifted on the following rivers and river sections: Gallatin River, East Gallatin River, Shields River, Madison River between the town of Ennis and Ennis Reservoir.

The restrictions above Hebgen Reservoir and below Ennis Reservoir will remain.

In west-central Montana, hoot owl restrictions were lifted on the following river sections: Clark Fork River from the Flathead River to Rock Creek, Mouth closures on Clark Fork River at St. Regis River, Fish Creek and Rattlesnake Creek, St. Regis River from the mouth to Twelvemile Creek, Upper Bitterroot River from Veteran’s Bridge in Hamilton to the confluence of East and West, Rock Creek from Stoney Creek to the confluence of West and Middle Forks of Rock Creek, Blackfoot River from the mouth to Cedar Meadow Fishing Access site 

The following hoot owl restrictions in west-central Montana remain: Bitterroot River from the mouth to Veteran’s Bridge in Hamilton, Clark Fork River above Rock Creek from the mouth of Rock Creek to its origin at the mouth of Warm Springs Creek, Silver Bow Creek.

Hoot owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day and are designed to protect fish, specifically trout, that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when conditions, such as low flows and high water temperatures, combine with other stressors. 

These restrictions are implemented based on several considerations: stream flow, water temperatures, angling pressure and other angling restrictions in the area that may divert use to waterways where circumstances are increasing stress on the fishery.