Restrictions & Closures Current Waterbody Restrictions

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 53.7 beginning July 21

From the mouth to Hwy 91 S (Tash)

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will be in effect on portions of the Beaverhead River from the mouth to Hwy 91 S (Tash). Maximum daily water temperatures on the Beaverhead River at the USGS gauge 06023100 Beaverhead River near Twin Bridges have reached or exceeded 73oF for multiple days, satisfying angling restriction and fishing closure criteria (ARM 12.5.507). This notice extends the area of fishing restrictions implemented on June 28 upstream to Hwy 91 S (Tash). This fishing restriction will remain in place until lifted by FWP adminstrative action or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Restrictions from mile: 71.7 To 98.1 beginning July 1

From North Fork of Big Hole River to Dickie Bridge

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will be in effect on portions of the Big Hole River from Dickie Bridge to North Fork Big Hole River. Maximum daily water temperatures on the Big Hole River have reached or exceeded 73 degrees F for three consecutive days. This fishing restriction will remain in place until lifted by FWP adminstrative action or until September 15.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 18.0 To 42.5 beginning July 1

From Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site Maiden Rock Fishing Access Site

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will be in effect on portions of the Big Hole River from Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site to Maiden Rock Fishing Access Site. Maximum daily water temperatures on the Big Hole River have reached or exceeded 73 degrees F for three consecutive days. These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action or until September 15.

Emergency Fishing Closure from mile: 0.0 to 18.0 beginning July 21

From the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site

Emergency Fishing Closure will be in effect on portions of the Big Hole River from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site. Flows on the Big Hole River at USGS gauge 06026420 Big Hole River below Hamilton Ditch near Twin Bridges continues to fall while water temperatures continue to rise, satisfying angling-closure criterion in the Big Hole River Watershed Committee Drought Management Plan. This fishing restriction will remain in place until lifted by FWP adminstrative action or until September 15. 

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Emergency Fishing Closure from mile: 98.1 to 144.3 beginning June 29

From Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadow Road to the North Fork Big Hole River

Emergency Fishing Closure will be in effect on portions of the Big Hole River from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadow Road to the North Fork Big Hole River. Flows on the Big Hole River below Big Lake Creek fell below 20 cfs for 24 consecutive hours. This river section will remain closed to fishing until lifted by FWP administrative action or until October 31, 2021.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 83.0 beginning August 2

From the confluence with Clark Fork River upstream to the confluence of East Fork and West Fork Bitterroot River

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, are in effect for portions of the Bitterroot River from the confluence with Clark Fork River upstream to the confluence of East Fork and West Fork Bitterroot River. Water temperature at Bitterroot River near Missoula exceeded exceeded 73 degrees  for three consecutive days. 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.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 103.0 to 239.0 beginning August 2

From the confluence of Flathead River upstream to the confluence with Rock Creek near Clinton

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, are in effect for portions of the Clark Fork River from the confluence of Flathead River upstream to the confluence with Rock Creek near Clinton. Water temperature at Clark Fork at Superior exceeded 73 degrees  for three consecutive days. 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.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 239.0 to 339.5 beginning July 1

From the confluence of Rock Creek near Clinton upstream to the confluence with Warm Springs Creek.

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, are in effect for portions of the Clark Fork River from the confluence of Rock Creek near Clinton upstream to the confluence with Warm Springs Creek. Water temperature at Clark Fork above Little Blackfoot River near Garrison and measurements at Gold Creek and Bearmouth have exceeded 73 degrees  for three consecutive days. 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.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Emergency Fishing Closure from mile: 0.0 to 23.1 beginning June 29

From the confluence with the Gallatin River to Penwell Bridge Road

A full fishing closure will be in effect for portions of the East Gallatin River from the confluence with the Gallatin River to Penwell Bridge Road. Water temperature on the East Gallatin River at Penwell Bridge was measured 81 degrees. The river will remain closed to fishing until lifted by FWP administrative action when daily maximum water temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days and adequate flows are maintained, or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot-Owl Restrictions from mile: 23.1 to 42.1 beginning July 1

From Penwell Bridge to the confluence of Bear Creek and Rocky Creek

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will be in effect on portions of the East Gallatin River from Penwell Bridge to the confluence of Bear Creek and Rocky Creek. Water temperature at Spring Hill Road was measured at 74 degrees This restriction 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.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 9.1 beginning August 3

From the mouth of Fish Creek to the confluence with South Fork Fish Creek near Forks.

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will be in effect on portions of Fish Creek from the mouth to the confluence with South Fork Fish Creek near Forks. Water temperature recorded via temperature data loggers exceeded 60 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days, satisfying angling restriction and fishing closure criteria (ARM 12.5.507). This fishing restriction will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Emergency Fishing Closure from mile: 0.0 to 32.7 beginning July 21

From the mouth to Hwy 84 Crossing

Emergency Fishing Closure will be in effect on portions of the Gallatin River from the mouth to Hwy 84 Crossing. Maximum daily water temperatures on the Gallatin River at the USGS gauge 06052500 Gallatin River at Logan, MT have exceeded 73 degrees for multiple consecutive days and flows have diminished to historic lows, satisfying angling restriction criteria (ARM 12.5.507). This notice replaces previous restrictions implemented on July 1. These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when water temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days, or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Emergency closure to all public occupation and recreation beginning August 4

Holter Lake from Log Gulch Campground to Holter Dam is closed to all public occupation and recreation including, but not limited to, floating, swimming, wading, and boating due to firefighting aircraft. 

For more information, see the Official Public Notice.

Emergency Fishing Closure from mile: 0.0 to 76.96 beginning July 21

Emergency Fishing Closure will be in effect for the entire Jefferson River. Maximum daily water temperatures on the Jefferson River at USGS gauge 06026500 Jefferson River near Twin Bridges have exceeded 73 degrees for multiple consecutive days and flows have continued to decline, satisfying angling-restriction criterion outlined in ARM 12.5.507 and the Jefferson River Drought Plan. This notice replaces fishing restrictions implemented on June 28. This river section will remain closed to fishing until lifted by FWP administrative action or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 131.9 beginning July 21

For the entire Madison River from the mouth to the boundary with Yellowstone National Park

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will be in effect for the Madison River from the mouth to the boundary with Yellowstone National Park. Water temperatures in the upper Madison River (above Ennis Lake) have exceeded 70 degrees over several days while flows have remained near median levels. Although temperature and flow criteria have not been exceeded, continued forecast high temperatures coupled with high angling pressure could lead to excessive fish mortality (ARM 12.5.507(1)(a)). This notice replaces restrictions implemented on the lower Madison on June 25. Restrictions do not include Ennis Lake, Quake Lake, or Hebgen Lake. These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when daily maximum water temperature does not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days (ARM 12.5.508) and adequate flows are present, or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Firefighting Needs Could Lead to the Closure of Lower Holter Reservoir

From Log Gulch Campground to Holter Dam

The lower end of Holter Reservoir may be closed this week to allow fire-fighting resources access to the water.

The public should be aware that if a closure is implemented, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens, along with other law enforcement agencies, will be contacting boaters and other recreationists using the reservoir to leave immediately. Boating activities will be restricted from all private and public launch sites and boaters will not be allowed to travel on the water once the closure is initiated.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 2166.2 to 2202.1 beginning July 21

From the Town of Cascade Boat Ramp to Holter Dam

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will be in effect on portions of the Missouri River from the Town of Cascade Boat Ramp to Holter Dam. Flow at USGS 06066500 Missouri River below Holter Dam is below 10th percentile mean daily flow and temperatures recorded throughout the section have exceeded 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Although temperature and flow criteria have not been exceeded, continued forecast high temperatures coupled with high angling pressure could lead to excessive fish mortality (ARM 12.5.507(1)(a)). This fishing restriction will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Emergency Fishing Closure from mile: 13.2 to 31 beginning July 15

From Upper Red Rock Lake to the Hell Roaring Creek crossing at South Valley Road

Emergency Fishing Closure will be in effect on portions of Red Rock Creek from Upper Red Rock Lake to the Hell Roaring Creek crossing at South Valley Road. Flow at USGS Gage 06006000 Red Rock Creek above Lakes have fallen near and below 5th percentile mean daily flow. Flow on July 14 was 24.2 cfs. Low flows have concentrated Arctic Grayling into isolated pools, making them extremely vulnerable to angling. This river section will remain closed to fishing until lifted by FWP administrative action when mean daily flows are adequate to provide cover for Arctic Grayling, or until October 15.

Emergency Fishing Closure from mile: 0.0 to 13.8 beginning June 17

From Duncan District Road to confluence with Beaverhead

Flows on the Ruby River at the USGS gauge 06023000 Ruby River near Twin Bridges, MT fell below 5th percentile daily flow values on June 14, meeting fishing closure criteria. The river will remain closed to fishing until lifted by FWP administrative action when daily mean flows exceed 40 cfs for 7 consecutive days or until October 15, 2021, at which time the restrictions will no longer remain in effect.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Emergency Fishing Closure from mile: 0.0 to 60.1 beginning July 21

From the confluence with the Yellowstone River to the US Forest Service Crandal Creek Bridge

Emergency Fishing Closure will be in effect on portions of the Shields River from the confluence with the Yellowstone River to USFS Crandal Creek Bridge. Flows on the Shields River at USGS gauge 06195600 Shields River near Livingston fell below 5th percentile daily flow values on June 30, meeting fishing closure criteria (ARM 12.5.507). Flows have since declined further and water temperatures have exceeded 73 degrees for multiple days. This notice replaces previous fishing closures and restrictions implemented on June 29 and July 1. These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when daily maximum water temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days and adequate flows are maintained, or until September 15 (ARM 12.5.508).

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 3.8 to 28.5 beginning July 1

From its confluence with Warm Springs Creek to Montana Street in Butte. This restriction includes the Warm Springs Ponds.

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, are in effect for portions of Silver Bow Creek from its confluence with Warm Springs Creek to Montana Street in Butte. This restriction includes the Warm Springs Ponds. Measured water temperature at a sensor near Opportunity have exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days. 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.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 22.4 to 121.0 beginning June 28

From Eden Bridge to the confluence of the North and South Fork

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 to the confluence of the North and South Fork. Flows at USGS gage 06077200 Smith River below Eagle Creek fell below 5th percentile mean daily flow on June 24, meeting fishing restriction criteria. Water temperatures are also expected to exceed thresholds in the coming days. This restriction will remain in effect until daily maximum water temperature does not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days and flows are adequate, or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 12.55 beginning August 3

From the mouth to the confluence with Twelve Mile Creek near De Borgia.

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will be in effect for portions of St. Regis River from the mouth to the confluence with Twelve Mile Creek near De Borgia. Water temperature recorded via temperature data loggers exceeded 60 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days, satisfying angling restriction and fishing closure criteria (ARM 12.5.507). This fishing restriction will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 0.0 to 13.0 beginning July 21

From the confluence with the Yellowstone River to Absaroka Fishing Access Site

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will be in effect on portions of the Stillwater River from the confluence with Yellowstone River to Absaroka Fishing Access Site. Flows on the Big Hole River below Hamilton Ditch near Twin Bridges fell to 390 cfs. This fishing restriction will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 17.4 to 67.5 beginning June 28

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. Maximum daily water temperatures have reached or exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days and flows have fallen below 5th percentile mean daily flow. The restriction will remain in effect until daily maximum water temperatures does not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days and flows are adequate, or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 382.0 to 558.0 beginning July 21

From Hwy 212 Bridge in Laurel to Yellowstone National Park

The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, will be in effect on portions of the Yellowstone River from Hwy 212 Bridge in Laurel to Yellowstone National Park boundary. Flow at USGS 06192500 Yellowstone River near Livingston has fallen below 5th percentile mean daily flow and water temperatures recorded at thermographs near Laurel and Columbus have reached or exceeded 73 degrees Fahrenheit for multiple consecutive days, satisfying angling restriction and fishing closure criteria (ARM 12.5.507). This fishing restriction will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action or until September 15.

For more information see the Official Press Release.