Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will impose hoot-owl angling restrictions on stretches of the Madison River, Sun River and the Lower Beaverhead River beginning July 11, officials said Friday. The move responds to warm temperatures and low streamflows that raise stress and mortality risks for trout.
What changes for anglers
The restrictions prohibit fishing on the designated river reaches from 2 p.m. to midnight each day and will stay in effect until conditions improve, FWP said. The limits are aimed at reducing catch-and-release mortality by confining angling to cooler morning hours when fish are less vulnerable.
FWP noted the closures follow the department’s drought policy, which calls for angling limits when streamflows fall below critical levels, water quality declines or when maximum daily water temperatures reach 73 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days. The agency said water at 77 degrees or higher can be lethal to trout.
Where the hoot-owl restrictions apply
| River | Designated stretch |
|---|---|
| Lower Beaverhead River | From Highway 41 near East Bench Road and Beaverhead Rock to confluence with Big Hole River |
| Sun River | From mouth of Muddy Creek to Highway 287 Bridge |
| Upper Madison River | From Warm Springs Fishing Access Site to confluence with Jefferson River; and from upstream Yellowstone National Park boundary to Hebgen Reservoir along main stem |
Yellowstone National Park has already put fishing limits in place on the Madison and Firehole rivers earlier this week.
Why the limits matter
When waters warm and flows drop, fish become more susceptible to disease and handling stress. Hoot-owl restrictions reduce the time fish are exposed to catch-and-release stress during the hottest parts of the day.
- Restrictions are in effect daily from 2 p.m. to midnight until conditions improve.
- FWP monitors streamflows and temperatures and can issue further actions under its drought policy.
- Anglers can reduce harm by minimizing handling time, keeping fish in the water and reviving them before release.
FWP also reminded anglers there are alternative options with better conditions this summer, such as larger lakes, reservoirs and higher-elevation streams and lakes. The department monitors stream temperatures and flows and can hold instream flow water rights; its water program can issue calls on junior water users when appropriate.
Anglers and river users should check the FWP website for the latest closures and additional restrictions as conditions evolve.
— Sierra Lambert, News Block
