Give a hoot

Low, warm water conditions could soon trigger ‘hoot owl’ restrictions  

In many areas of Montana, stream flows and water temperatures are already at mid-summer levels. That means restrictions and closures may be implemented soon. The trigger for an angling restriction for most streams is for the water temperature on a waterbody to reach 73 degrees for three consecutive days.  

These angling restrictions are called “hoot owl” restrictions and prohibit fishing between 2 p.m. and midnight until conditions improve.  

Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Fisheries and Water Program staff meet weekly to discuss statewide conditions to prepare for likely restrictions and closures. There are four criteria FWP biologists consider for setting hoot owl restrictions:   

• Species of interest are present in significant number. 

• Temperature criteria have been met. 

• Fishing pressure is high. 

• Stream flow conditions. 

These restrictions are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to stress, disease and mortality when low and warm water conditions exist.  

Anglers can help reduce stress for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur:  

• Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted.  

• Land the fish quickly.  

• 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.   

• Let the fish recover before gently. 

To see current restrictions, click here. FWP recently hosted a virtual townhall on top fishery concerns for river basins across the state. To view the recoding, click here.