Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has announced the lifting of hoot-owl restrictions on certain sections of the Bitterroot River, Clark Fork River, Silver Bow Creek, and a portion of the Big Hole River. These restrictions, which prohibit fishing between 2 p.m. and midnight, were put in place earlier this summer due to high water temperatures.
The recent cooler temperatures have allowed for the lifting of these restrictions, effective Tuesday, August 27. The areas where the restrictions have been lifted are specified as follows: Bitterroot River from Clark Fork River to Veteran’s Bridge, Clark Fork River from the mouth of Rock Creek to its origin at the mouth of Warm Springs Creek, Silver Bow Creek in its entirety, and Big Hole River from the Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site to Maiden Rock FAS.
These restrictions are designed to protect fish that become more vulnerable to disease and mortality when faced with low flows, high water temperatures, and additional stressors such as catch-and-release fishing. Anglers are reminded to handle fish with care, releasing them quickly and properly reviving them before returning them to the water.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks also monitors stream flows and holds water rights for instream flows, issuing calls on junior water users as needed to maintain stream flows through late summer and early fall. For the most current information on drought-related fishing restrictions and closures, anglers can visit the FWP website.
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Photo credit www.nbcmontana.com
