Jefferson River, More of Big Hole River, Closed to Fishing

The Jefferson River and more sections of the Big Hole River closed to fishing on Saturday, August 3, due to low flows.

The full fishing closure will include the entire Jefferson River, as well as the Big Hole River from Dickie Bridge to the confluence with the Jefferson River. Flows in these areas dropped below fishing closure thresholds on Friday.

The rest of the Big Hole River upstream of Dickie Bridge is under hoot-owl restrictions, which prohibit fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight.

These restrictions will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Fishing restrictions and closures like these are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when low flows and high water temperatures combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing.

Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river.

Along with monitoring stream temperatures, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks also monitors stream flows, and in some streams, holds instream flow water rights. FWP’s water program can issue a call on junior water users, when appropriate, to contribute to stream flows through the late summer and early fall. For more information on FWP water rights, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/fisheries-management/water-management.

For a list of current fishing restrictions and closures in Montana, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures.