This week, Big Hole River sectioned reached additional conservation triggers identified in the Big Hole River Drought Management Plan.
At 38 cfs on August 5th, Big Hole River Section 1 is now under “Conservation” status. At 163 cfs, Section 2 has reached “Prepare for Conservation” status. At 158 cfs, Section 5 is under “Prepare for Conservation” (conservation trigger = 150 cfs).
Flows are dropping rapidly in these sections and water temperatures are rising, so now is the time to do whatever can be done to protect the fishery. This means not only conserving water where possible, but also observing hoot owl restrictions and safe fishing practices.
Hoot Owl restrictions, which restrict fishing after 2:00 PM, are still in place on Big Hole River Sections 1, 2, 4, and 5. Here is a list of voluntary angling practices that can help protect the fishery during periods of extreme heat (scroll to page 2).
For more information or to view current river conditions, click here: https://bhwc.org/river-conditions