Montana and Yellowstone Impose Fishing Restrictions Amid High Temperatures

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has imposed fishing restrictions on 13 rivers as temperatures soar and water levels drop.

July 26, 2024

Article Summary –

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) has enacted fishing restrictions, termed “hoot owl” restrictions, on 13 rivers in western Montana due to high temperatures and low streamflows resulting from an underwhelming snowpack and recent heat spells. The restrictions prohibit fishing after 2 p.m. to protect fish, particularly trout, from the stresses of warm water temperatures and low flows, which can harm their metabolism and overall health. Additionally, FWP is utilizing Murphy Rights to ask junior water rights holders to cease water withdrawals in an effort to maintain streamflows, with similar water management strategies potentially being applied to other rivers experiencing severe drought conditions.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has imposed fishing restrictions on 13 western Montana rivers due to high temperatures, following a record-breaking heat spell.

The restricted rivers include the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Jefferson, Bitterroot, Clark Fork, and Gallatin rivers. These “hoot owl” restrictions prohibit fishing after 2 p.m. Some, like the Big Hole and Bitterroot, are closed entirely, while others have segment-specific closures.

Pat Saffel, FWP Region 2 fisheries manager, mentioned that earlier rains provided a brief reprieve, but “now we’re paying the price of not having the snow.”

- Kitchen Table News — As of July 26 more than a dozen western Montana rivers were running below the 10th percentile including stretches of the Missouri Clark Fork Bitterroot Blackfoot and Teton

The Blackfoot River, typically exempt from hoot owl restrictions, is now affected. The lower stretch is restricted, with flow rates at about one-third of its normal, per the U.S. Geological Survey.

National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Kitsmiller predicts above-normal temperatures and below-average precipitation will persist, worsening conditions for fish.

Yellowstone National Park also closed the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon rivers due to low stream flows and temperatures above 68 degrees, as noted in a July 12 press release.

Adapting to a Changing Climate

Michael Downey, drought program coordinator with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, expects the Blackfoot River basin to transition from severe to extreme drought. “Longer periods between storms followed by dry spells are impacting the landscape,” he said.

Former Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Pat Byorth noted the trend of shorter runoff periods followed by hot, dry weeks. Montana trout struggle with high temperatures and low streamflows, impacting their survival and health into winter.

Restoring water features like beaver ponds and collaborating with water rights holders are crucial steps to support cold-water fisheries amidst these climate challenges, Byorth added.

Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana Executive Director Mike Bias mentioned that fly-fishing guides are adjusting by scheduling morning trips during hotter months and emphasizing spring and fall outings.

FWP’s Murphy Rights, established for fisheries like the Blackfoot, Flathead, Gallatin, Madison, Missouri, Smith, and Yellowstone rivers, help manage water usage. Recently, FWP used its Murphy Right to ask junior water rights holders on the Blackfoot to cease withdrawals.

Schenk said all 12 rivers with Murphy Rights will likely meet the flow thresholds to limit withdrawals, though decisions will depend on individual circumstances and be made by FWP Director Dustin Temple.

The full list of rivers with closures as of July 18 includes:

- Beaverhead River: Hoot owl closure from Highway 41 near East Bench Road to its confluence with the Big Hole

- Big Hole River: Entire river under hoot owl restrictions

- Bitterroot River: Entire river under hoot owl closure

- Blackfoot River: Hoot owl closure from Cedar Meadow Fishing Access Site to the confluence with the Clark Fork River

- Clark Fork River: Hoot owl closures from the mouth of Warm Springs Creek to the confluence with the Flathead River

- East Gallatin River: Hoot owl closure for the entirety of the East Gallatin

- Gallatin River: Hoot owl closure from Amsterdam Road to the confluence with the Missouri River

- Jefferson River: Hoot owl closure from the confluence of the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers to the Missouri River

- Madison River: Hoot owl closure from the footbridge at the NorthWestern Energy powerhouse (downstream of the Madison Dam) to the confluence with the Jefferson, and from the Ennis Fishing Access Site to Ennis Reservoir. There is also a full fishing restriction from the Madison Dam at Ennis Reservoir to the footbridge at NorthWestern Energy’s powerhouse.