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
For seasonal fishing closures, please see current fishing regulations
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Beaverhead River from Hwy 41 near East Bench Road to its confluence with the Big Hole River beginning July 10
Temperatures were measured at USGS gage 06023100 near Twin Bridges.
Water temperatures exceeded 73 degrees in this reach of the Beaverhead River for three consecutive days starting on July 7.
Air temperatures over 90 F are anticipated for the foreseeable future with several days approaching 100 F this week.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the entirety of the Big Hole River. The entire river downstream of Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road beginning July 12
Section 1: USGS gage 06024450 near Wisdom; Section 2: DNRC gage 41D 08000 near Wise River; Section 3: USGS gage 06025250 near Maiden Rock; Section 4: USGS gages 06026210 and 0602550 near Glen and Melrose; Section 5: USGS gage 06026420 near Twin Bridges.
Sections I and V are already under hoot owl restrictions. Sections II and IV exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days starting on July 8.
Water temperatures peaked at 71.42 in Section 3 on July 9. However, the Big Hole Drought Management Plan, which is overseen by the Big Hole Watershed Committee, recommends restrictions for Section III when Section IV meets criteria. Moreover, angler displacement has led to hoot owl restrictions based on similar concerns in other rivers in the past (e.g., Madison River in 2021). Based on those circumstances, increasing water temperatures that will likely exceed 73 degrees in the next several days, and forecasted air temperatures near or exceeding 90 degrees for the foreseeable future, hoot owl restrictions are warranted for the entire river.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the following sections of the Big Hole River beginning July 10
Section 1: Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence with North Fork of the Big Hole River
Section 5: Tony Schoonen FAS to confluence with Beaverhead River
Water temperatures in Section 1 are measured at USGS gage 06024450 near Wisdom and Section 5 at USGS gage 06026420 near Twin Bridges.
Water temperatures exceeded 73 degrees in these sections of the Big Hole River for three consecutive days starting on July 7.
The Big Hole River has a drought management plan that is overseen by the Big Hole Watershed Committee and calls for hoot owl restriction on sections of the river that exceed 73 F for 3 consecutive days. Air temperatures in the upper 80s to 90s are anticipated for the foreseeable future.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the entirety of the Bitterroot River. From the confluence with Clark Fork River to the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River beginning July 12
Below Veterans Bridge, water temperature measured at the USGS station near Missoula (12352500) show two consecutive days over 73F (July 9, 10), with the third consecutive day forecasted to occur today, July 11. This reach of the Bitterroot River is designated in the Statewide Fisheries Management Plan as a non-native salmonid fishery.
Above Veteran’s Bridge, water temperature measured at the USGS station near Darby (12344000) show three consecutive days over 66F (July 8, 9, 10). This reach of the Bitterroot River is designated in the Statewide Fisheries Management Plan as a cutthroat trout fishery.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Blackfoot River from the confluence with the Clark Fork River to Cedar Meadow Fishing Access Site beginning July 12
Temperatures were measured at USGS Bonner Gage 12340000.
Daily maximum temperatures have exceeded the Blackfoot River Drought Management Plan trigger of 71F for three consecutive days on 7/8, 7/9 and 7/10.
On Tuesday July 9, the Blackfoot Drought Committee voted to recommend FWP implement hoot owl restrictions after three consecutive days of meeting temperature criteria. The criteria was met as of July 10th. Long-term forecasts predict excessive heat and continued exceedance of the criteria. This portion of the Blackfoot River receives very high fishing pressure.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Clark Fork River from the confluence with the Flathead River to the confluence with Rock Creek (near Clinton, MT) beginning July 12
UPPER: Wed 7/10/24, USGS Gauge 1234550 – Clark Fork R. at Turah Bridge
LOWER: Wed 7/10/24, USGS Gauge 12354500 – Clark Fork R. at St Regis
River discharge is dropping steadily and current maximum daily water temperatures are above thresholds and increasing steadily at Superior, MT (mid reach) and above Missoula (upper reach). Maximum daily water temperatures at USGS Gauge 12353650 (Clark Fork River at Superior) and USGS Gauge 12340500 (Clark Fork River Above Missoula) have exceeded 73F for 2 consecutive days on July 9 and 10 and expected remain higher than 73 F on 7/11, as well as for the foreseeable future with continuing warm temperatures and decreasing flow. Past evaluations have determined that these gauges are representative of temperatures throughout this river reach.
Current weather forecast includes continued warm weather pattern (daily highs generally > 90 F), dropping river discharge levels, and no significant precipitation.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Clark Fork River from the mouth of Warm Springs Creek to the mouth of Rock Creek (near Clinton, MT) beginning July 10
Temperatures throughout the reach have exceeded 73F each of the past two days (starting 7/7/2024) and are expected to exceed 73F for a third day today (7/9/2024), with generally warmer temperatures further downstream in the reach. Water temperature measured at USGS Clark Fork at Deer Lodge 12324200 peaked over 73F each day, and FWP temperature sensor data from Bearmouth has shown water temperatures peaking over 73F each of the past three days.
Temperatures have exceeded the 73F Hoot-Owl criteria for the past two days and are expected to for a third day today at multiple USGS and FWP monitoring sites and are generally trending higher. Longer term forecasts are calling for local temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s for the foreseeable future, this is likely to keep temperatures warm and stressful for fish. Additionally, flows in this reach continue to drop, and are currently well lower than median values. Angling pressure on the Clark Fork is generally low, however anglers were observed at multiple access points near Deer Lodge over the past several days in the late afternoon. Considering historically low fish numbers on parts of the Upper Clark Fork any angling pressure in the late afternoon at current temperatures could be detrimental to the fishery.
Fishing Closure is in effect for the Clark Fork River within a 100-yard radius of the mouth of Fish Creek at the Clark Fork River confluence beginning July 24.
This water has been warmer than the bull trout temperature threshold (60 F) since July 6th and will likely exceed the cutthroat temperature threshold (66 F) as stream temperatures continue to rise this week.
Weather and river forecast data suggest continued hot conditions with low water levels and elevated water temperatures in the thermal refugia area at the stream-river confluence. Bull trout numbers are low in Fish Creek and cutthroat trout densities are suppressed, so additional mortality can have effects on population status. Bull trout are listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act and westslope cutthroat trout are a Species of Concern in Montana.
Fishing Closure is in effect for the Clark Fork River within a 100-yard radius of the mouth of St Regis River at the Clark Fork River confluence beginning July 24.
USGS Gauge 12354500 data, 07/22/2024.
This water has been consistently warmer than the bull trout temperature threshold (60 F) since July 6th and cutthroat temperature threshold (66 F) since July 18th.
Weather and river forecast data suggest continued hot conditions with low water levels and elevated water temperatures in the thermal refugia area at the stream-river confluence. Bull trout numbers are low in the St Regis River and cutthroat trout densities are suppressed, so additional mortality can have effects on population status. Bull trout are listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act and westslope cutthroat trout are a Species of Concern in Montana.
Fishing Closure is in effect for the Clark Fork River within a 100-yard radius of the mouth of Rattlesnake Creek at the Clark Fork River confluence beginning July 24.
DNRC Gauge 76M 01100 data, 07/22/2024.
This water has been consistently warmer than the bull trout temperature threshold (60 F) since July 4th and the cutthroat temperature threshold (66 F) consistently since July 21st.
Weather and river forecast data suggest continued hot conditions with low water levels and elevated water temperatures in the thermal refugia area at the stream-river confluence. Bull trout numbers are low in Rattlesnake Creek and cutthroat trout densities are suppressed, so additional mortality can have effects on population status. Bull trout are listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act and westslope cutthroat trout are a Species of Concern in Montana.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the entirety of the East Gallatin River. From its origin at the confluence of Rocky and Bear creeks to the Gallatin River Nixon Bridge beginning July 12
DNRC gage 41H 08900 near Manhattan and water temperatures measured by FWP staff at upstream bridges.
Water temperatures exceeded 73 degrees in this reach of the East Gallatin River for three consecutive days starting on July 9.
Air temperatures near 90 F are anticipated for the foreseeable future.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Gallatin River from Amsterdam Road to the confluence with the Missouri River beginning July 12
USGS gage 06052500 near Logan and water temperatures are measured by FWP staff at upstream bridges.
Water temperatures exceeded 73 degrees in this reach of the Gallatin River for three consecutive days starting on July 9.
Air temperatures near 90 F are anticipated for the foreseeable future.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Jeffersion River from the confluence of the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers to the Missouri River beginning July 10
Temperatures were measured at the USGS gage (06026500) near Twin Bridges.
Water temperatures exceeded 73 degrees in this reach of the Jefferson River for three consecutive days starting on July 7.
The Jefferson River Drought Management Plan states that FWP can implement hoot owl restrictions when water temperatures exceed 73 for three consecutive days at the USGS gage in Twin Bridges. Temperatures likely continue to exceed 73 degrees for the foreseeable future with forecasted air temperatures in the 90s for the foreseeable future with several days approaching 100 this week.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Madison River from Ennis FAS to Ennis Reservoir beginning July 12
Temperature logger deployed by FWP staff near Valley Garden FAS and manual measurements upstream by FWP.
Water temperatures exceeded 73 degrees in this reach of the Madison River for three consecutive days starting on July 10.
Air temperatures over 90 F are anticipated for the foreseeable future.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Madison River from Warm Springs FAS to confluence with the Jefferson River beginning July 10
Flows are measured below Ennis Reservoir at USGS gage 06041000 and water temperatures are measured at the Sloan gage that is operated by Northwestern Energy, which is near the Blacks Ford FAS.
Water temperatures exceeded 73 degrees in this reach of the Madison River for three consecutive days starting on July 7.
Air temperatures over 90 F are anticipated for the foreseeable future with several days approaching 100 F this week. The lower Madison River receives high angling pressure and hundreds of recreational floaters a day during the summer months.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Madison River Hebgen Reservoir to upstream most Yellowstone National Park boundary beginning July 18
Flows and water temperatures are measured at USGS gage 06037500 near West Yellowstone.
Water temperatures exceeded 73 degrees in this reach of the Madison River for three consecutive days starting on July 7th and have approached 80 degrees many days in the last week.
Air temperatures in the upper 80s to 90s are anticipated for the foreseeable future. This recommendation extends the existing hoot owl restrictions to several short sections of water upstream now that Yellowstone National Park has instituted similar restrictions on the Madison River within the park boundaries. Once this recommendation is in place, all sections of the Madison River outside of YNP upstream of Hebgen Reservoir will be covered by hoot owl restrictions. The previous restrictions did not include these sections because of likely confusion by anglers and difficulties for Enforcement staff.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Madison River Footbridge at NorthWestern Energy powerhouse to confluence with the Jefferson River beginning July 18.
Flows and temperatures are measured below Ennis Reservoir at USGS gage 06041000 and water temperatures are measured at the Sloan gage that is operated by Northwestern Energy, which is near the Blacks Ford FAS.
Water temperatures exceeded 73 degrees in this reach of the Madison River for three consecutive days starting on July 7th. Outflows from Ennis Lake have consistently been between 72-73 degrees since July 13, even at night, which has exacerbated issues with high water temperatures in the lower Madison River. With enough distance from the dam, cooling of outflows from Ennis Reservoir is sufficient to allow fishing during early hours of the days.
Air temperatures over 90 F are anticipated for the foreseeable future. The lower Madison River receives high angling pressure.
Fishing Closure is in effect for the Madison River from Madison Dam at Ennis Reservoir to footbridge at NorthWestern Energy powerhouse beginning July 18.
Flows and temperatures are measured below Ennis Reservoir at USGS gage 06041000.
Outflows from Ennis Lake have consistently been between 72-74 degrees since July 13, even at night. Therefore, fishing at night and early morning hours will leave fish vulnerable to high catch-and-release mortality associated with high water temperatures.
Air temperatures over 90 F are anticipated for the foreseeable future. The bypass channel of the lower Madison River receives high angling pressure especially from wade anglers that can easily navigate this section of river.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the North Fork Flathead River from the confluence with the Middle Fork of the Flathead River up stream to the Canadian border beginning July 24.
Flow and temperature is measured at the USGS site near the Glacier Rim access site.
Water temperatures have exceeded 66 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 days and exceeded 68 degrees for the past two days.
The North Fork Flathead River supports a heavily used westslope cutthroat trout fishery and is an important migratory corridor for Bull Trout. Although weather forecasters are predicting a short cooling trend this weekend, long term forecasts predict a hotter than average August. This closure is expected to last till mid-August when shorter days typically lead to cooler water temperatures.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for Rock Creek from Stoney Creek to the confluence of the West Fork Rock Creek and Middle Fork Rock Creek (formation of Rock Creek) beginning July 24.
Flow measured at USGS Station near mouth.
Rock Creek discharge is dropping steadily and maximum daily water temperatures were above the cutthroat trout criteria of 66 degrees F in excess of 3 days in the previous week. While water temps did drop below criteria for a couple of days (potentially due to smoke), we expect the temperatures to again exceed 66 degrees with the current forecast of 100F degree days in valley bottoms for the next several days. Streamflows continue to decline and above average daily air temperatures are forecasted for at least the next week.
Current weather forecast includes continued hot weather pattern (daily highs generally > 100F in valley bottoms the next several days then greater than 90F the rest of the week), dropping river discharge levels, and no significant precipitation
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Ruby River from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Duncan District Road beginning July 10
Water temperatures were measured at USGS gage 06023000 near Twin Bridges.
Water temperatures exceeded 73 degrees in this reach of the Ruby River for three consecutive days starting on July 7.
Air temperatures over 90 F are anticipated for the foreseeable future with several days approaching 100 F this week.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the entirety of Silver Bow Creek. From the confluence with Blacktail Creek at Montana Street in Butte to the confluence with Warm Springs Creek at the Gas City Rd Bridge (RM 0.0) beginning July 10
Temperatures throughout Silver Bow Creek have exceeded 73F each of the past two days (7/7 and 7/8) and will exceed 73F for a third straight day today (7/9), with generally warmer temperatures further downstream. Water temperature was measured at USGS Silver Bow Creek at Opportunity 12323600. Flows in Silver Bow creek have been fluctuating between 50-80 CFS at the Opportunity Gauge. Flows are slightly above average, however this is largely due to 10-15 CFS of treated Berkley Pit water being discharged to the Creek and this discharge will be discontinued in the coming days.
Temperatures have exceeded the 73F Hoot-Owl criteria for the past two days and will again for a third straight day today at multiple USGS and FWP monitoring sites and are generally trending higher. Longer term forecasts are calling for local temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s for the foreseeable future, this is likely to keep temperatures warm and stressful for fish. Angling pressure on Silver Bow Creek is generally low, however angling has been observed at multiple access points from the confluence with German Gulch downstream to opportunity regularly over the past several weeks.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Smith River from Eden Bridge to the confluence of the North and South forks beginning July 12
USGS gauge 06077200 Smith River below Eagle Creek near Fort Logan 7/10/24 at 11:15 am.
Smith River water temperatures at the gage below Eagle Creek near Fort Logan reached or exceeded 73F on July 8, 9, and 10. The National Weather Service forecast calls for continued hot weather, and water temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 73F for the foreseeable future. Low discharge is also a concern.
High daily maximum water temperature, NWS forecast for sustained hot weather, low and likely declining discharge.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the St. Regis River from the confluence with Clark Fork River upstream to mouth of Twelvemile Creek beginning July 24.
USGS gauge 12354000 data, 07/22/2024.
Water temperatures in this reach are warm for the cutthroat trout population, having exceeded the cutthroat criteria of 66 F since July 18th as measured by FWP temperature recorder 100 yards upstream from the mouth.
Weather and river forecast data suggest continued hot conditions with low water levels and elevated water temperatures. The St Regis River experiences consistent angling pressure due to its proximity to I-90 and likely is experiencing increased pressure due to Hoot Owl restrictions currently in place on the Clark Fork River.
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Sun River from the mouth of Muddy Creek to Hwy 287 Bridge beginning July 10
Sun River water temperatures at the Simms gage reached or exceeded 73F on June 22 through June 26. Water temperatures reached 77F on July 7. The National Weather Service forecast calls for continued hot weather. Low discharge is also a concern.