Updates on Western Montana River Hoot Owl Fishing Restrictions

'Tis the season. And there will likely be more partial or full closures as the hot summer days roll on.

But there was an error in a notice earlier this week that definitely affects anglers in and around Missoula that Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wanted to clarify. Actually, not just Missoula-anglers, but anyone who is a Clark Fork River fan.

A previous version of a Montana FWP press release stated that the entire Clark Fork River will be under hoot-owl restrictions starting Wednesday, July 10 at 2:00 p.m. However, at least for now, only the portion of the Clark Fork from the mouth of Warm Springs Creek to the mouth of Rock Creek will be under hoot-owl restrictions.

OTHER CLOSURES IN EFFECT

Restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve.

>The Jefferson River in its entirety is under hoot-owl restrictions starting from 2:00 p.m. until midnight daily.

PARTIAL CLOSURES

>The Big Hole River from the Saginaw Bridge to the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River. Also from the Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site to the confluence with the Beaverhead River.

>The Beaverhead River from Highway 41 near East Bench Road to the confluence with the Big Hole River.

>The Madison River lower section from the Warm Springs Fishing Access Site to the confluence with the Jefferson River. Also above Hebgen Lake, from Hebgen lake to the Yellowstone National Park boundary.

>The Ruby River from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Duncan District Road.

>The Sun River from the mouth of Muddy Creek to the Highway 287 bridge.

Montana FWP’s drought policy calls for angling restrictions when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Check the latest on what's happening on your favorite fishing destination here.