BOZEMAN, Mont. — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced more fishing restrictions starting July 22 as rising river temperatures put added stress on fish.
The agency said the daily limits, often called hoot-owl restrictions, bans fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight. The step is meant to protect fish when warm water, low flows and fishing pressure all increase risk.
The new restrictions apply to parts of the Big Hole River, Madison River, Shields River, Yellowstone River, Smith River and Upper Clark Fork, along with the entire Bitterroot River. Montana FWP said other waterbodies and some additional river sections already had restrictions in place.
Montana FWP said its drought policy allows angling limits when stream flows drop to critical levels, water quality declines, or water temperatures hit at least 73 degrees for three straight days. In cutthroat trout waters, the agency said restrictions start when temperatures reach at least 66 degrees for three consecutive days.
Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can kill trout. Hot water and low flows can lead to disease outbreaks, lower spawning success, slower growth rates and more fish deaths.
Montana FWP urges anglers to reduce stress on fish by landing them quickly, keeping them in the water and reviving them before release.
Other fishing options include reservoirs, larger lakes and higher-elevation lakes and streams.