Hoot-owl restrictions, mouth closures lifted on several streams in southwest Montana 

Some sections of the Big Hole River will close to angling 

HELENA – As stream temperatures decrease, several hoot-owl restrictions and river-mouth closures will be lifted on Aug. 13.  At the same time, streamflows are also decreasing, triggering angling closures on sections of the Big Hole.  

Due to cooling water temperatures, the following hoot owl restrictions and river-mouth closures will be lifted Thursday, Aug. 13: 

Region 2 

• Bitterroot River from the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River to Veteran’s Bridge in Hamilton 

• Blackfoot River from Cedar Meadow Fishing Access Site (FAS) to the confluence with the Clark Fork River 

• Clark Fork River from the Blackfoot River to the confluence with the Flathead River 

• Clark Fork river-mouth closures at Rattlesnake Creek, Fish Creek and St. Regis River 

• East Fork Bitterroot River from Star Falls to the confluence with the West Fork Bitterroot River 

• Lolo Creek from its headwaters to the confluence with South Fork Lolo Creek 

• Monture Creek from the confluence with Falls Creek to the Highway 200 bridge 

• Rock Creek (near Clinton) from the confluence of the West and Middle Forks to Stoney Creek 

• West Fork of the Bitterroot River from Painted Rocks Dam to the confluence with the East Fork Bitterroot River 

Regions 3 and 5 

• Yellowstone River from Highway 89 Bridge near Springdale to Highway 212/310 Bridge in Laurel 

The restrictions had been in effect because of warm water temperatures. Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. They are designed to prevent excessive mortality from angling when water temperatures are warm.    

Even though water temperatures can decrease this time of year, fishing closures may be implemented, which prohibit angling for the entire day. This happens when conditions degrade, often due to low streamflow or dissolved oxygen, and angling could be detrimental to the fishery. Several streams in Montana have drought plans that guide decision-making on river closures.  

Based on criteria outlined in the Big Hole Drought Plan, the following sections will close to angling Aug. 13 until conditions improve: 

• Section 1 of the Big Hole River, which extends from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River. 

• Section 5 of the Big Hole River, which extends from Tony Schoonen FAS (Notch) to the confluence with the Beaverhead River. 

Water conservation efforts continue to be important to Montana’s fisheries. FWP is actively managing water it is responsible for as well as collaborating with stakeholders, such as irrigators, to maintain river and streamflows. 

Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river.    

To view drought-related fishing restrictions and closures that remain in effect, click here.  

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