Popular Fishing River First to See Restrictions from Drought

• Despite recent moisture, Montana remains very dry across the state, including rivers, streams and creeks
• Recent readings by the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks indicate stream temperatures are rising in the southern regions of the state
• The first partial closure, called "Hoot Owl Restrictions" have been implemented in a popular river near Yellowstone National Park

Drought Has Been and Still is Hitting the State of Montana Hard

It is hard to remember that Montana is in a drought and has been for the past several years.  Especially with the rain and thunderstorms that have passed through the state in the last few days.

via GIPHY

However, according to data from drought.org and the U.S. Drought Monitor, 59% of Montana is currently under drought conditions.  Those conditions are causing water temperatures to rise in our waterways, leading to restrictions.

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Popular Fishing River First to See Restrictions from Drought

The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Department has announced that due to warmer conditions combined with the drought that restrictions have been placed on a popular section of the Madison River in southern Montana.

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The restrictions for the Madison include from Hebgen Reservoir to upstream most Yellowstone National Park boundary.  The restrictions went into effect on June 19th and were put into place due to temperature readings near West Yellowstone.  Water temps were recorded at or above 73 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 consecutive days beginning on June 15th.

How Long Restrictions will be in Place; What Are "Hoot Owl" Restrictions Anyway?

The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Department did not give a date at which the restrictions now in place could be lifted.  However, the restrictions for the area are only partial hours for the Madison.

The department has placed the designated area of the Madison River under "Hoot Owl Restrictions" for fishing access.  The restrictions are from 2pm to Midnight each day until lifted by the agency.