Hoot-owl restrictions lifted on several rivers across Montana

Water temperatures lowered due to a recent drop in temperatures, allowing hoot-owl restrictions to be lifted on several Montana rivers.

The lifted restrictions are effective immediately on Silver Bow Creek, Clark Fork, Beaverhead, East Gallatin, Gallatin, Ruby and Smith Rivers.

Officials say part of the closure on the Madison River upstream of Hebgen Reservoir will change to hoot-owl restrictions.

Officials say restrictions 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.

These parts of Regions 2, 3, and 4 fishing restrictions will be lifted or changed:

Silver Bow Creek – in its entiretyBitterroot River – from Veterans Bridge at Hamilton to the confluence with the Clark Fork River (upper river restriction remains)Clark Fork River – from the Clark Fork’s origin at the confluence of Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek to the mouth of the Blackfoot RiverBeaverhead River – from Highway 41 near East Bench Road and Beaverhead Rock to its confluence with the Big Hole RiverEast Gallatin River – from Penwell Bridge Road to the confluence with the Gallatin RiverGallatin River – from Amsterdam Road to the confluence with the Missouri RiverMadison River – from downstream most Yellowstone National Park (YNP) boundary to Hebgen Reservoir will switch from a full closure to hoot-owl restrictions. The short sections that exit YNP near Baker’s Hole campground will remain closed to align with the existing National Park Service closure on the Madison River.Ruby River – from Duncan District Road to confluence with the Beaverhead RiverSmith River – from the confluence of the North and South forks to Eden Bridge