Hoot-owl fishing restrictions will go into effect 2 p.m. Thursday on portions of five rivers in southwest and central Montana because of warm water temperatures and low flows.
The restrictions mean anglers will have to stop fishing between 2 p.m. and midnight on the designated stretches of the rivers in order to protect cold-water species of fish, like trout, Montana Fish, Wildfire & Parks said Wednesday.
A tributary of the Jefferson River, the Big Hole has long been a favorite destination for not only fishing, but floating as well.
The restrictions will go into effect on the following stretches of rivers and will be in place until further notice:
Ruby River — From its confluence with the Beaverhead River to Duncan District RoadJefferson River – The entire river from the confluence of