As feared, weather conditions have continued to be hot and dry, bringing  warm water temps on many southwest Montana rivers.  Warm temperatures mean some rivers have restrictions or closure.  In the  latest press release from MT FWP  below, Region 3 fisheries manager Travis Horton stated:

“What has us so concerned right now is the lack of  water. It’s all about water when it comes to sustaining healthy fish populations. Even if the temperatures drop for a while, we still need to wait for flows to improve before adding back the stress of angling.”

Thankfully, here in southwest we are fortunate enough to have several great rivers to choose from.  Three tail waters remain cold, clear and open or at least mostly open to angling as well as private still waters that continue to produce really big trout!   Read more about fly fishing on the Madison, Beaverhead and Ruby Rivers and Private Water.

Visit Fishtales Outfitting to book your next fly fishing trip in southwest Montana.

Please read the latest press release from MT FWP Aug. 1, 2016

(Bozeman, Mont.) — Consistent high water temperatures and low stream flows have prompted Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to close two sections of the Big Hole River and the entire Jefferson River to all fishing. FWP is also implementing hoot owl restrictions on the Yellowstone River and reinstituting hoot owl restrictions on the Lower Beaverhead River as well as a section of the Big Hole. Specifically, the following sections of rivers are closed to all fishing effectively immediately:
• Big Hole River from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence of the North Fork Big Hole River and Big Hole River
• Big Hole River from Notch Bottom FAS to confluence with the Beaverhead River
• The entire length of the Jefferson River

The following sections of rivers will be closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to midnight until conditions improve effective Tuesday:
• Big Hole River from the North Fork Big Hole River to Dickie Bridge
• Beaverhead River from Anderson Lane to the confluence with the Big Hole River
• Yellowstone River from Carter’s Bridge FAS to the confluence with the Clarks Fork of  the Yellowstone east of Laurel

Regional Fisheries Manager Travis Horton warns water levels are so critically low that restrictions may remain in place for weeks or even
longer.

“What has us so concerned right now is the lack of  water. It’s all about water when it comes to
sustaining healthy fish populations. Even if the temperatures drop for a while, we still need to
wait for flows to improve before adding back the stress of angling.”

Other restrictions around the region which remain in place include:
•Big Hole River: Maiden Rock FAS to Notch Bottom FAS
• East Gallatin River: Spring Hill Road Bridge (Hwy411) to the confluence with the Gallatin River

• Gallatin River:Confluence with the Madison River at Three Forks to Sheds Bridge (Hwy 84) near Four Corners
• Madison River: Ennis Dam to the mouth
• Ruby River: Duncan District Road to the confluence with the Beaverhead River Additional restrictions are possible on other stretches of these or other southwest Montana rivers in the coming weeks.

For up-to-date information on restrictions related to drought, visit MT FWP News

A handsome Madison River brown taking a drink!

A nice brown from the hog pond!