The high temps, along with the lack of precipitation we’ve been experiencing these last two weeks has forced more hoot owl closures around the state and it looks like the list is only going to get longer as we’re looking at above average high temps for the next while.
Following is a list of the current stream closures from FWP. Please check before you fish by going here http://fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/waterClosure.html to check and see if the water you intend to fish has been added to the list and even if it hasn’t we encourage you to use common sense and steer clear of those low flows and warm water temps that stress the fish.
Notice that the Missouri River is not on the list. We continue to enjoy flows in the 4100 range and water temps in the low to mid 60’s most days. This is generally a slow time here on the MO’ traffic wise but it looks like we may see some angler migration as things heat up around the state. We’ve got plenty of availability for lodging and guide trips through August and into early September so keep us in mind if fishing the Missouri is in your plans.
Take advantage of our Dog Days of Summer Getaway special. During the month of August book a full day guide trip and two night’s lodging with us and we’ll throw in a third night of lodging for free. Despite what you may have heard August can be an excellent time to fish the Missouri. We’ve got plenty of Tricos, Caddis, Ants and Hoppers and the nymphing rarely disappoints. The best part is that depending on where and when you fish, you could very well have the river to yourself on any given day. Weekends tend to be busy with recreational traffic but there are plenty of places to go where that wont be a problem. Give us a call today and book your August Getaway.
If it’s fall fishing you’re waiting for we suggest you make those plans sooner rather than later as prime dates are booking up quickly.
We hope you make Wolf Creek Angler your early morning Missouri River Fly Fishing One Stop. Shuttles, Loop rods and reels, ARC and Rio fly lines, Ice, Adipose and RO Drift Boat Rentals, the best cup of free coffee in the canyon, a friendly fishy staff and the ever-expanding best and largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. Open daily at 6 AM for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing Needs.
RESTRICTIONS AND CLOSURES
Big Hole River
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/23/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to North Fork Big Hole River Mouth (7/22/2016)
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/25/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Big Hole River from Maiden Rock FAS to Notch Bottom FAS. (7/25/2016)
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/23/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Notch Bottom FAS to confluence with the Beaverhead River (7/22/2016)
East Gallatin River
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/08/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
East Gallatin River from Spring Hill Road Bridge (Hwy411) to the confluence with the Gallatin River. (7/7/2016)
Gallatin River
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/01/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
From the confluence with the Madison River at Three Forks to Sheds Bridge (Hwy 84) near Four Corners, MT (6/30/2016)
View Water Body Report
Jefferson River
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/01/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire river. (6/30/2016)
Madison River
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 06/30/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Madison River from Ennis Dam to the mouth (6/29/2016)
Ruby River
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/25/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Ruby River from Duncan District Road to the confluence with the Beaverhead River. (7/25/2016)
Smith River
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/25/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Smith River from the confluence of the North and South forks of the Smith River to Eden Bridge. (7/24/2016)
Sun River
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/25/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Sun River from the Highway 287 Bridge to the mouth of Muddy Creek. (7/24/2016)
First I’d like to say that my friends and I informative and entertaining. We check it every day. Like to see more frequent entries though because old geezers who can’t go today want to read what you did anyway.
Also, as more waters close and traffic on the Mo increases your clients and other anglers should be reminded of several things: 1. A guide can increase your success when conditions get rough. He WANTS you to catch fish and will dredge up every trick he knows to make it happen. So listen. The one universal truth about fishing the Mo in August is that your skill level isn’t as high as your opinion of it. …
All the fish in the Mo in June and July are still there in August. And they’re still eating. They aren’t smarter (maybe more gunshy) but they are now feeding on much smaller bugs and they tend to pick the stage of emergence that provides the best ratio of effort vs result for that specific hold. Around the bend 50 feet is a whole different world. I prefer to think that a lot of the fish just get rude.
And 2. Keep your expectations reasonable. You’re recreating. If a great outing is only measured in pounds of fish you need to book a trip on a tuna trawler!
Continued success to WCA and thanks for letting me hog your blog
Thanks for your comments Russ and thanks for following the blog. It’s a labor of love and it’s always nice to hear feedback. Believe me when I say that more frequent entries are always my intention. I have yet to master the art of habitual posting but I’m working on it! I agree with much of your assessment regarding August fishing on the Missouri and I hope everyone heeds your advice and books a guide for August. Your advice regarding keeping your expectations reasonable is spot on and holds true no matter when you are here. The one thing I will add is that August does offer the opportunity to throw BIG BUGS as well, as in Hoppers! The MO’ is far from a great hopper river but with this many fish around your bound to get a few eats if you stick to it and there’s nothing like a hopper eat! Thanks again for following us.