Drought related fishing closures and hoot owl restrictions related to environmental conditions.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight.
Fishing Closure prohibits any fishing on the stretch of water specified.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 47.5 beginning July 29, 2022
From the mouth to Selway Park FAS at Dillon
The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 29 for the Beaverhead River from the mouth to Selway Park FAS at Dillon. Maximum daily water temperatures on the Beaverhead River at USGS gauge 06023100 Beaverhead River near Twin Bridges exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days, satisfying angling restriction and fishing closure criteria. This restriction will remain in effect until lifted by FWP administrative action, or until September 15.
To read the press release click here.
Full Fishing Closure from mile: 0.0 to 18 beginning August 17, 2022
From the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site
A full fishing closure will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, August 17 for the Big Hole River from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site. Flow on the Big Hole River at USGS gauge 06026420 below Hamilton Ditch near Twin Bridges fell below 100 cfs, meeting fishing closure criteria in the Big Hole River Watershed Committee Drought Management Plan. This fishing closure will remain in effect until lifted by FWP administrative action in consultation with the Big Hole Watershed Committee when flows exceed 200 cfs for seven consecutive days, or until October 31. This fishing closure replaces the hoot owl fishing restriction implementation on this reach on July 27.
To read the press release click here.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 18 to 42 beginning July 29, 2022
From Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site to Maidenrock Fishing Access Site
The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 29 for Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site to Maidenrock Fishing Access Site. Maximum daily water temperatures on the Big Hole River at USGS gauge 06026210 Big Hole River near Glen exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days on July 28, meeting fishing restriction criteria outlined in the Big Hole River Watershed Committee Drought Management Plan. This restriction will remain in effect until lifted by FWP administrative action in consultation with the Big Hole Watershed Committee, or until September 15.
To read the press release click here.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 71.7 to 98.1 beginning July 29, 2022
From Dickie Bridge to the North Fork Big Hole River
The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 29 for the Big Hole River from Dickie Bridge the North Fork Big Hole River. Maximum daily water temperatures on the Big Hole River at the DNRC Realtime gauge Big Hole near Wise River 41D 08000 exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days on July 28, meeting fishing restriction criteria outlined in the Big Hole River Watershed Committee Drought Management Plan. This restriction will remain in effect until lifted by FWP administrative action in consultation with the Big Hole Watershed Committee, or until September 15.
To read the press release click here.
Emergency Fishing Closure from mile: 98.1 to 144.2 beginning August 11, 2022
From Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadow Road to the North Fork Big Hole River
A full fishing closure will soon be in effect for portions of the Big Hole River from the North Fork Big Hole River to Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadow Road (near Van Houten Lake).
Flow at USGS gauge 06024450 Big Hole River below Big Lake Creek at Wisdom fell below 20 cfs on August 8, meeting fishing closure criteria outlined in the Big Hole River Watershed Committee Drought Management Plan.
This closure will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action in consultation with the Big Hole Watershed Committee, or until October 31. This fishing closure replaces hoot owl fishing restrictions put in place on this section on July 29.
To read the press release click here.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 83 beginning Tuesday August 2, 2022
From the confluence with Clark Fork River upstream to the confluence of East Fork and West Fork Bitterroot River.
Water temperature at USGS 12352500 Bitterroot River near Missoula exceeded 73 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days meeting fishing restriction criteria (12.5.507, ARM). Fish mortalities have also been observed in the upper river below the confluence of the East and West Forks.
These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days and adequate flows are present for cutthroat trout, or until September 15 (12.5.508, ARM).
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 93.4 to 197.6 beginning August 2, 2022
From the confluence of Flathead River upstream to the confluence of the Bitterroot River.
Water temperature at USGS 12353000 Clark Fork below Missoula exceeded 73 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days, meeting fishing restriction criteria (12.5.507, ARM). Previous evaluations determined that water temperatures recorded at this gauge are indicative of temperature trends throughout this river reach.
These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days, or until September 15 (12.5.508, ARM).
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 264.5 to 330 beginning July 29, 2022
From the confluence of Flint Creek to the confluence with Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek at the Gas City Bridge
The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 29 for the Clark Fork River from the confluence of Flint Creek to the confluence with Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek at the Gas City Bridgee. Maximum daily water temperatures on the Clark Fork River at USGS gauge 12324400 Clark Fork above Little Blackfoot River near Garrison and measurements at Garrison have exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days on July 28. This restriction will remain in effect until lifted by FWP administrative action when water temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days, or until September 15.
To read the press release click here.
Advisory from mile: 118 to 119 beginning August 15, 2022
Be advised, at mile post 14 on Hwy 135 downstream from St. Regis, MDT is scaling rocks off the slope on the right side of the river channel. All watercraft should stay channel left when passing through this area and not stop to fish or camp. The location of work is about ΒΌ mile downstream of a signed bank warning on the right. Work hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Work is anticipated to continue through the end of September.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0 to 42 beginning August 2, 2022
East Gallatin River from the confluence with the West Gallatin River at Nixon Bridge to the confluence of Rocky Creek and Bear Creek.
The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will go into effect at 2:00 p.m.Tuesday, August 2 for the East Gallatin River from the confluence with the West Gallatin River at Nixon Bridge to the confluence of Rocky Creek and Bear Creek. Water temperature measured throughout East Gallatin River has exceeded 73 degrees Fahrenheit, meeting fishing restriction criteria (12.5.507, ARM). Additionally, water flow at USGS gauge 06048650 E Gallatin above Water Reclamation near Bozeman have continued to decline over the past week. These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days, or until September 15 (12.5.508, ARM) and when adequate flows are measured.
This fishing restriction replaces a previous fishing restriction implemented on July 27 for portions of the East Gallatin River from the mouth to Penwell Bridge Road (river mile 0.0 to 23.1).
To read the press release click here.
A full fishing closure will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, August 17 for portions of Fish Creek within a 100-yard radius of the mouth of Fish Creek on the Clark Fork River. Water temperatures at the mouth of Fish Creek have exceeded 60 degrees Fahrenheit for more than three consecutive days, meeting fishing restriction and closure criteria (12.5.507, ARM). Due to forecast hot temperatures and shrinking thermal refugia for bull trout the department is implementing a full fishing closure until temperatures improve. This fishing closure will remain in effect until lifted by FWP administrative action when daily maximum water temperatures equals or does not exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days, or until September 15 (12.5.508, ARM).
To read the press release click here.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 26.3 beginning July 29, 2022
From the mouth to Cameron Bridge Road
The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 29 for the Gallatin River from the mouth to Cameron Bridge Road. Maximum daily water temperatures on the Gallatin River at USGS gauge 06052500 Gallatin River at Logan, MT and measurements taken throughout the river section have exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days, satisfying angling restriction criteria. This restriction will remain in effect until lifted by FWP administrative action when water temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days, or until September 15.
To read the press release click here.
Full Fishing Closure from mile: 0.0 to 76.96 beginning August 17, 2022
The entire Jefferson River
A full fishing closure will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, August 17 for the entire Jefferson River. Flow on the Jefferson River at USGS gauge 06026500 Jefferson River near Twin Bridges fell below 280 cfs, meeting full fishing closure criteria in the Jefferson River Drought Plan. This fishing closure will remain in effect until lifted by FWP administrative action when flows reach or exceed 300 cfs for seven consecutive days at USGS gauge 06026500 Jefferson River near Twin Bridges, or until September 15. This fishing closure replaces the hoot owl fishing restriction implementation on the Jefferson River on July 27.
To read the press release click here.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 42 beginning Tuesday August 2, 2022
Madison River from the confluence with the Jefferson River to Madison Dam
The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, from the confluence with the Jefferson River to Madison Dam.
Water temperatures measured in the Madison River above Warm Spring Recreation Area have exceeded 73 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days since July 29, meeting fishing restriction criteria (12.5.507, ARM). Water temperatures below Warm Spring Recreation Area Water to the mouth also remain above temperature criteria.
These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when daily maximum water temperature does not exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days (12.5.508, ARM) and adequate flows are present, or until September 15.
This restriction replaces a restriction implemented on July 14 from the mouth of the Madison River to Warm Spring Recreation Area.
To read the press release click here.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 45 to 54.7 beginning Tuesday August 2, 2022
Madison River from Ennis Reservoir to Eight Mile Ford Fishing Access Site.
Water temperatures measured throughout the Madison River above Ennis Lake have exceeded 73 degrees Fahrenheit since July 28. (12.5.507, ARM). These restrictions do not include Ennis Lake.
These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when daily maximum water temperature does not exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days (ARM 12.5.508) and adequate flows are present, or until September 15.
Emergency closure from mile: 205.9 to 206.0 beginning August 13, 2022
For portions of Rattlesnake Creek within a 100-yard radius of the mouth of Rattlesnake Creek on the Clark Fork River.
A full fishing closure will soon be in effect for portions of Rattlesnake Creek within a 100-yard radius of the mouth of Rattlesnake Creek on the Clark Fork River.
Water temperatures at the mouth of Rattlesnake Creek have exceeded 60 degrees Fahrenheit for more than three consecutive days, meeting fishing restriction and closure criteria (12.5.507, ARM). Due to forecast hot temperatures and shrinking thermal refugia for bull trout the department is implementing a full fishing closure until temperatures improve.
These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when daily maximum water temperatures equals or does not exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days, or until September 15 (12.5.508, ARM).
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 13.9 beginning Tuesday August 2, 2022
From the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Duncan District Road crossing.
Water temperatures on the Ruby River at the USGS gauge 06023000 Ruby River near Twin Bridges MT have exceeded 73 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days, meeting fishing restriction criteria (12.5.507, ARM). Additionally, water flows have continued to decline and low flows are anticipated through the irrigation season.
This restriction will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when water temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days (12.5.508, ARM) and adequate flows are present, or September 15.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 38.0 beginning Tuesday August 2, 2022
From the confluence with the Yellowstone River to Shields River Road Bridge between Jordan Bench Road and Pinkerton Road.
Water temperatures on the Shields River at USGS gauge 06195600 Shields River exceeded 73 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days, meeting fishing restriction criteria (12.5.507, ARM). Temperatures collected in other reaches throughout the river also exceeded restriction criteria.
These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when daily maximum water temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days and adequate flows are maintained, or until September 15 (12.5.508, ARM).
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 28.8 beginning August 2, 2022
From its confluence with Warm Springs Creek at Gas City Road Bridge to the confluence of Blacktail Creek at Montana Street in Butte.
Water temperature at USGS gauge 12323600 Silver Bow Creek at Opportunity and at other measurement sites throughout the stream have exceeded 73 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days, meeting fishing restriction criteria (12.5.507, ARM).
These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days, or until September 15 (ARM 12.5.508).
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 22.4 to 121 beginning July 15, 2022
From Eden Bridge south of Great Falls to the confluence of North and South Forks
The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, is in effect for portions of the Smith River from Eden Bridge south of Great Falls to the confluence of North and South Forks.
The latest measurement of flows on the Smith recorded on July 14 at the gauge station below Eagle Creek near Fort Logan indicate a flow of 162 cubic feet per second, with water temperatures exceeding 73 degrees for three consecutive days, which meets established criteria to prompt the restriction.
This restriction will remain in effect until daily maximum water temperature does not exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days and flows are adequate, or until September 15.
To read the press release click here.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 17.2 to 67.5 beginning July 15, 2022
From the mouth of Muddy Creek to the Hwy 287 Bridge
The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, is in effect for portions of the Sun River from the mouth of Muddy Creek to the Hwy 287 Bridge.
The Sun River has experienced similar declines in flow in addition to high water temperatures. The gauge station at Simms reported that water temperatures have exceeded 73 degrees for seven of the previous eight days.
This restriction will remain in effect until daily maximum water temperature does not exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days and flows are adequate, or until September 15.
To read the press release click here.
Emergency closure from mile: 485.6 to 495.5 beginning July 2, 2022
From the Mayor's Landing Fishing Access Site to Sheep Mountain Fishing Access Site
The Yellowstone River is closed to all recreational use from the Mayor's Landing Fishing Access Site to the Sheep Mountain Fishing Access Site. The Highway 89 bridge trestle, which crosses the Yellowstone River, is at risk of structural failure and collapse.
This rule will remain in effect until the department determines that the affected area of the Yellowstone River is again safe for public occupancy and recreational use. Signs closing the river will be removed when the rule is no longer effective.