Larb Creek, 2006

Canyon Ferry, 2004

Region Three, 2004

Gallatin Valley, 2004

Drought and wildland fires affect Montana's fish, wildlife, and parks. Please check here for news on angling restrictions or other measures put into effect to protect these important natural resources.

Recent Drought & Fire News

There are no fire restrictions in the state of Montana as of October 3rd, 2007.

It is a hunter's responsibility to know and abide by land closures and restrictions. The links below provide some of the information a hunter will need. Information on the use of Block Management lands during this extreme weather are available by calling the nearest FWP Regional Office.

• County Map of Current Fire Restrictions & Closures
• Northern Rockies Coordination Group (NRCG) Area Reports
  • North West Montana (PDF)
  • Lewistown Montana (PDF)
  • Central Montana (PDF)
  • South Central Montana (PDF)
  • Billings Area (PDF)
  • Miles City Area (PDF)

Contact the US Forest Service in Montana for updates on:

• Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
• Bitterroot National Forest
• Custer National Forest
• Flathead National Forest
• Gallatin National Forest
• Helena National Forest
• Kootenai National Forest
• Lewis & Clark National Forest
• Lolo National Forest

When water levels drop and stream temperatures rise, FWP may restrict fishing to protect the State's sport fisheries. Low water and high temperatures cause fish to seek deep pools, making them more vulnerable to predators, disease and to anglers. For more information and to check the conditions on your favorite fishing streams, please use the links below.

• Rivers & Stream Closures
• USGS Daily Streamflow Conditions for Montana
• Drought Fishing Closure Policy

  Drought Management Plans

  • Jefferson River Drought Management Plan (Courtesy JRWC)
  • Big Hole River
  • Blackfoot River

Montana is in general an arid state. In mid and late summer, some locations may experience drought and or be ripe for wildland fires. Before planning your weekend or taking a vacation, you can check to see if there are any drought- or fire-related restrictions in place on rivers or streams or at State Parks and Fishing Access Sites. You can also learn what you can do to help prevent wildland fires.

• How State Park Visitors and Campers Can Help

Wildland fires can destroy hundreds, sometimes thousands, of acres of habitat and displace wildlife. Late season fires may also affect hunting season dates, hunting opportunities and the conditon of winter range for deer, elk and other species. When wildland fires break out, check here for information on how they may be affecting Montana's wildlife.

• Wildlife Drought Contingency Plan

Montana Fish,Wildlife & Parks continuously monitors drought conditions and how they may be impacting the state's fisheries. To review these detailed reports throughout the fishing season, please check the links below.

• 2007 Fall Drought Update (Word 87 KB)
• Spring 2007 Drought Update (Word 137.5 KB)
• 2006 Annual FWP Drought Report (PDF 308 KB)
• September 2006 Drought Update (Word 86 KB)
• July 2006 Drought Update (Word 92 KB)
• Spring 2006 Drought Update (Word 81 KB)
• 2005 Annual FWP Drought Report (Word 242 KB)