Montana, Yellowstone Close, Restrict Fishing Across Multiple Rivers Amid Heat, Drought

Due to ongoing drought conditions and rising water temperatures, multiple rivers in Montana and Yellowstone National Park have been subjected to fishing restrictions to protect vulnerable native trout populations. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have implemented 'hoot owl' restrictions, prohibiting fishing during the hottest hours from 2 p.m. to midnight on several rivers, including the Upper and Lower Bitterroot, to reduce fish stress and mortality. Yellowstone National Park has fully closed the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon rivers and all associated tributaries, where water temperatures have surpassed 68 degrees Fahrenheit, a threshold stressing cold-adapted trout. These measures remain in effect until streamflows improve and temperatures return to safer levels, with officials urging anglers to fish during cooler times and handle fish gently to avoid exhaustion and mortality. The closures and restrictions reflect concerns about the combined impacts of low flows, warm water, and angling pressure posing significant risks to fish health during the peak summer heat. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and may extend or add further restrictions as needed.