BOZEMAN – Daily fishing restrictions, commonly known as hoot-owl restrictions, have been lifted for the Madison River upstream of Hebgen Reservoir with cooling water temperatures.
A hoot-owl restriction remains in effect on the lower Madison River from the Bureau of Land Management's Warm Springs boat launch to the confluence with the Jefferson River. Drought-related fishing closures and restrictions also remain in effect for the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers.
These restrictions were implemented because of warm water temperatures. Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day to prevent excessive fish mortality from angling when water temperatures are warm. Full closures prohibit angling for the entire day.
Water conservation efforts continue to be important to Montana's fisheries. Staff with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are working with irrigators and other partners to improve flows and other instream conditions where possible.
Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting the fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them before releasing them back into the river.
To view current drought-related fishing restrictions and closures statewide, click here.