8 Montana Rivers Now Under New “Hoot Owl” Fishing Restrictions

If you’re planning a fly fishing trip to Montana this summer, it’s time to rethink your daily schedule.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has officially expanded its "hoot-owl" restrictions across several iconic rivers in the southwest and north-central parts of the state.

These emergency rules are triggered when water temperatures hit 73°F (or higher) for three consecutive days. When temperatures climb toward 77°F, it becomes highly stressful, and even lethal, for cold water trout.

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To give these fish a break during the hottest hours of the day, fishing is strictly banned from 2:00 p.m. to midnight daily on restricted waters.

Where the "Hoot Owl" Restrictions Are in Place

Currently, FWP has implemented hoot-owl rules on key stretches of these legendary rivers:

• The Madison River
• The Sun River
• The Big Hole
• Beaverhead River
• Gallatin River
• East Gallatin River
• Jefferson River
• Ruby River

The new restrictions don't mean you should cancel your vacation. You just need to make a few adjustments.

Get up early. Morning fishing is usually the best anyway. Get on the water at dawn and leave around lunchtime.

FWP suggests targeting high-altitude mountain lakes and deep reservoirs, where the water stays cool and oxygenated all day.

If you do plan on fishing in Montana this summer, make sure to release fish quickly, and keep them wet and in the water while as much as much, and ensure they're fully revived before letting them go.

Before you head out, be sure to double-check the real-time Montana FWP Waterbody Closures Map to stay legal and keep our fish healthy.