Hoot owl fishing restrictions lifted on Smith and Sun rivers

GREAT FALLS – Declining water temperatures and improving conditions have led to lifting hoot owl fishing restrictions on the Smith and Sun rivers in Region 4.  The restrictions will be removed beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 9.

Fishing restrictions and closures are implemented when water temperatures, low streamflows and angling pressure cause stress to fish populations. Anglers can continue to help reduce stress for fish by following these practices when practicing catch and release fishing, though fish mortality may still occur:

• Fish during the coolest times of day.
• Land the fish quickly.
• Wet your hands before handling the fish.
• Keep the fish in water as much as possible.
• Remove the hook gently. Using artificial lures with single and barbless hooks can make hook removal faster and easier.
• If the fish is hooked deeply, you may have to cut the line at the fish’s mouth or consider keeping it if regulations allow.
• Let the fish recover before releasing it.

Before you go fishing, please be aware of the conditions, as other rivers in Montana may still remain under fishing restrictions. For a full list, visit FWP’s website: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures.

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