Hoot-owl restrictions lifted on sections of the lower Madison and Big Hole rivers
Sep 16, 2025 3:17 PM
Spawning closures take effect October 1
HELENA – 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. The existing closures upstream of Dickie Bridge and downstream of Tony Schoonen remain in place.
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 other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing.
Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river.
Starting Oct. 1, annual fishing closures begin for sections of the Big Hole, Ruby and Beaverhead rivers to protect trout during spawning seasons.
To see where these spawning-related fishing closures apply, check the current fishing regulations here.
To view drought-related fishing restrictions and closures in other areas, click here.
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