“Hoot Owl” River Closures Extend To Jefferson And Lower Big Hole

In addition to the fishing restrictions imposed earlier this week on the Lower Madison and Upper Big Hole Rivers, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has now added "hoot owl" fishing closures for the Jefferson River and Lower Big Hole River:

Fishing closures from 2 pm - midnight daily beginning Thursday, July 25 until conditions improve:

• Jefferson River - entire river
• Big Hole River - Notch Bottom Fishing Access Site (southeast of Glen) to the mouth

Water temperatures in Jefferson and in the noted portion of the Big Hole have exceeded 73 degrees for a week. Flows have also dropped, reaching the triggers identified for fishing restrictions in respective watershed drought management plans.

Biologists will continue to monitor the conditions on all southwest Montana rivers.

For details on all emergency angling restrictions and other drought updates, check the FWP online fishing guide.