WISE RIVER – Conditions in some areas of the Big Hole River have improved, allowing hoot-owl fishing restrictions to be lifted in a section of the river.
Hoot-owl restrictions have been in place for the river between the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River and the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Maiden Rock Fishing Access Site. These restrictions will be lifted Friday.
The following restrictions will remain in effect for the Big Hole River:
- A full fishing closure from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River.
- A hoot-owl restriction from FWP’s Maidenrock Fishing Access Site to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site, commonly known as Notch Bottom.
- A full fishing closure from Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site to the confluence with the Jefferson River.
All fishing is prohibited during full fishing closures. Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight daily. These closures and restrictions come in response to low river flows in accordance with the Big Hole River’s drought management plan and will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Fishing restrictions and closures like these are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when low flows and high water temperatures combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing.
Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river.
Along with monitoring stream temperatures, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks also monitors stream flows, and in some streams, holds instream flow water rights. FWP’s water program can issue a call on junior water users, when appropriate, to contribute to stream flows through the late summer and early fall. For more information on FWP water rights, click here.
For a list of current fishing restrictions and closures in Montana, click here.
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