New Hoot Owl Restrictions Issued for 8 Montana Rivers

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has expanded emergency “hoot-owl” fishing restrictions on eight rivers after water temperatures reach dangerous levels for cold-water trout. The rules are triggered when temperatures hit 73°F or higher for three consecutive days, with conditions becoming especially stressful near 77°F, where trout face severe risk. On restricted waters, fishing is banned daily from 2:00 p.m. to midnight to reduce pressure during the hottest hours. The affected stretches include the Madison, Sun, Big Hole, Beaverhead, Gallatin, East Gallatin, Jefferson, and Ruby rivers. FWP says anglers can still plan trips by fishing at dawn and leaving around midday, and by targeting higher-altitude mountain lakes or deep reservoirs that stay cooler.