High temperatures trigger widespread fishing restrictions
Hoot Owl fishing restrictions are on the Clark Fork River, but the FWP Fishing Access Sites are still busting at the seams with floaters attempting to escape the heat. Big Eddy FAS in Superior was proof over the weekend as more rigs than ever were using it as a take-out from Forest Grove FAS or a put-in for the Dry Creek FAS. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has implemented fishing restrictions on 13 western Montana rivers that are exceeding temperature thresholds following an underwhelming snowpack and a heat spell last week that broke records in some parts of the state.
The list includes both low-flow rivers that see hoot owl restrictions more years than not, such as the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Jefferson rivers, and other, higher-volume rivers that typically hold onto enough water to stay open for afternoon angling later into the summer. These rivers include the Bitterroot, Clark Fork and Gallatin.
Per the “hoot owl” restrictions, fishing is prohibited after 2 p.m. Some rivers, such as the Big Hole and Bitterroot, are closed along their entire length, while other closures apply to specified segments.
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