Due to cooler temperatures, hoot-owl fishing restrictions are lifted on the Lower Madison River as well as angling closures on Sections 3 and 4 of the Big Hole River, from Dickie Bridge to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site (aka Notch Bottom), effective immediately, staff officials said Tuesday.

The existing closures upstream of Dickie Bridge and downstream of Tony Schoonen remain in place, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said.

The restriction and closures had been in effect for the rivers due to warm water temperatures on both rivers and low flows on the Big Hole River. Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day.

They are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when low flows and high-water temperatures combine with ot

See Full Page