Hoot-Owl Fishing Restrictions Begin on Upper Madison River to Protect Trout

HELENA, Mont. — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has implemented hoot-owl restrictions on the upper Madison River above Hebgen Lake.

Fishing is now prohibited daily from 2 p.m. to midnight to protect fish stressed by high water temperatures.

The restriction will remain in place until conditions improve.

FWP urges anglers to fish during cooler morning hours and to handle fish minimally to reduce stress.

Water temperatures above 73 degrees for three days can trigger restrictions; temperatures above 77 degrees may be lethal to trout.