If you don't fish, you may think the term "hoot owl restrictions" has something to do with owls. "Why are owls being restricted?" you might wonder.

Montana anglers know what hoot owl restrictions are all about, however. It's when Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks enact restrictions on what time of day you can and cannot fish on rivers in Montana. Typically, these restrictions are from 2 pm to midnight. 

Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash
Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash
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The hoot owl restrictions are set when the river water temperature gets too high and/or the water quality is too poor. Montana FW&P describes its criteria,

FWP's drought policy provides for angling restrictions when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can be lethal to trout.

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Effective 7/12/24 several Montana rivers are under hoot owl restrictions. They include:

  • Big Hole River – ​​​Entire river downstream of Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road​​
  • Smith River – From Eden Bridge to the confluence of the North and South forks​
  • East Gallatin River – Entire river
  • Gallatin River –​​ From Amsterdam Road to the confluence with the Missouri River​
  • Madison River – ​​From Ennis Fishing Access Site (FAS) to Ennis Reservoir​
  • Clark Fork River – ​​From Rock Creek near Clinton to the confluence with the Flathead River ​
  • Bitterroot River – Entire river, from the confluence of the East and West Forks to the Clark Fork River
  • Blackfoot River – ​​From Cedar Meadow FAS to the confluence with the Clark Fork River ​
Photo by John Werner on Unsplash
Photo by John Werner on Unsplash
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Additionally, hoot owl restrictions remain in effect for portions of the Beaverhead, Madison, Ruby, and Sun rivers, as well as the Jefferson River and Silver Bow Creek in their entirety. You can see the latest updates on river conditions and restrictions HERE.

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