Warm water, low flows prompt hoot-owl restrictions on rivers in southwest Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks placed angling restrictions last week on multiple rivers in southwest Montana due to warming temperatures and low flows. Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. These closures and restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve.

Hoot-owl restrictions that took effect July 12 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...