As the air outside gets warmer, so do the water temperatures in Montana’s rivers. While summertime is prime for casting a line, fishing during the heat of the day can be detrimental to the fish. Here are some tips on when you can — and when you can’t — head out with your rod and tackle box during the warm season:
These are regulations enforced by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to protect the state’s fish populations. If a body of water is measuring warmer than 73 degrees, a hoot owl restriction will go into effect. This prohibits fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight to protect the fish from excess stress during the hottest time of day.
As water temperatures rise, oxygen levels drop, and the fish have a harder time breathing underwater. This adds stress to the fish, making them more susceptible to disease, predation and exhaustion.
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There are many ways to continue to fish Montana’s rivers; it just takes some extra preparation! If a hoot owl restriction is put in place where you’re planning to fish, here’s what to do:
This is where you’ll find all the latest information on what restrictions are in place and which sections of the river they affect.
Try a morning excursion! Cooler mornings are much less stressful on the fish, and fishing early in the day is best practice regardless of restrictions. If your plans aren’t set in stone, just keep an eye on the FWP website for when the restriction is lifted, and fish as normal.
Shallow waters are much warmer, meaning the fish there are much more vulnerable to stress. Leave them be, and fish in deeper and cooler parts of the river.
Try to fight the fish as little as possible when reeling them in to help ease the recovery process when it's released. If you’re holding the fish with your hands, make sure they’re wet to protect their scales. Dry hands can cause scale loss that could lead to infection.
Rather than releasing the fish straight into the water, allow the fish some time to regain its bearings while submerged in the net before letting it go completely. This allows the fish some time to recoup, decreasing its stress level.
Anglers who choose to violate hoot owl restrictions are subject to fines, penalties and loss of license. Please fish responsibly. Visit fwp.mt.gov for the most up-to-date information.
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