The MT FWP has announced Hoot Owl restrictions to begin Wednesday, July 19, 2017. The following sections of rivers will be effected:
HOOT OWL = closed to fishing from 2 PM to Midnight daily
Big Hole River:
from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows to the Mouth of the North Fork (Section I).
Notch Bottom FAS to confluence with the Beaverhead River (Section V)
Beaverhead River: Anderson Lane to confluence with the Big Hole River
Jefferson River: entire Jefferson
Please be aware of the water temperatures where you are fishing! Many stretches of the Big Hole have been hitting 70+ degrees over the last few days, and not dropping until well after dark. Even though it feels cooler outside, the river is still warm. Refer to the USGS site for current conditions.
Additionally, be mindful of your fish handling practices. Use nets, keep the fish in the water, and get them to a net quickly for release.
For up-to-date info on closures and restrictions, please refer to the FWP site.