EBS STAFF
This week’s heat is putting pressure on local rivers. In response, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced it has issued hoot owl restrictions along sections of the following Montana rivers: Big Hole, Beaverhead, Clark Fork, Madison, Ruby and Sun, as well as the Jefferson River and Silver Bow Creek in their entirety. Hoot owl restricts all fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight, effective Wednesday, July 10. These are implemented to protect the local trout population. The restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve.
Affected sections of the rivers
Madison River: lower section, from the Warm Springs Fishing Access Site to the confluence with the Jefferson River, above Hebgen Lake, and from Hebgen lake to the Yellowstone National Park boundary.
Jefferson River: from the confluence of the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers to the Missouri River.
Big Hole River: from the Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River, and from the Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site to the confluence with the Beaverhead River.
Beaverhead River: from Highway 41 near East Bench Road to the confluence with the Big Hole River.
Ruby River: from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Duncan District Road.
Sun River: from the mouth of Muddy Creek to the Highway 287 bridge.
Clark Fork River: from its headwaters to the confluence with Rock Creek.
Silver Bow Creek: in its entirety.
