FISHING -- "Hoot owl” fishing restrictions have been lifted today on the Bitterroot River as well as the Blackfoot and its tributaries where water temperatures are cooling, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. 

            The entire Blackfoot and its North Fork, Copper, Monture and Morrell tributaries, as well as the Bitterroot River from Tucker Crossing downstream, have been under restrictions since July 29 to reduce the impact on drought-stressed fish. 

            However, "hoot owl” restrictions that prohibit fishing during the hottest hours of the day -- 2 p.m. until midnight -- remain in effect on the following rivers and creeks in west-central Montana:

• Upper Clark Fork:  Covering about 100 miles from the headwaters where Silver Bow and Warm Springs Creeks join to Rock Creek.
• Silver Bow Creek: From the confluence with Blacktail Creek to its mouth and confluence with Warm Springs Creek.

            "Low flows are still a concern, particularly in parts of the Blackfoot, and we will continue to monitor to see if fish become congregated and susceptible to fishing pressure,” says Pat Saffe, the state's regional fisheries manager.  “Future, more site specific restrictions may be implemented this season if needed."

            Other restrictions also remain in other parts of the state. Click here for updates on restrictions related to drought.