On The Road Report: River Closure Edition.

Few less options for the week ahead if you were thinking of hitting the road. Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks have announced the first of this summer’s Hoot-Owl Restrictions. Meaning NO FISHING FROM 2 P.M – MIDNIGHT, that is if you find yourself on any of these stretches of water….

The Big Hole from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Drive to Dickie Bridge & from Notch Bottom f.a.s. to the mouth.
The Madison from Ennis Dam to the mouth.
The Beaverhead from Anderson Lane to the mouth.
The Jefferson; Entire river.
The Ruby from Duncan District Road to the mouth.
The Gallatin from Shed’s Bridge f.a.s. to the mouth.

Just a friendly reminder that this is not a suggestion from F.W.P. its’s mandatory and you can be ticketed for fishing during the closure. The official list this year is still pretty short, so far. We’ve still got a lot of summer ahead of us and things probably wont improve anytime soon. Forecast for July is above average temps, and below average precipitation. Bottom line is the summer of 2016 isn’t shaping up to be a banner year. With that said, I’m going to jump on my soapbox for a minute. Just because F.W.P. hasn’t listed your favorite stream, or where you planned on fishing this week, doesn’t mean it’s in good shape. Take for example the Smith River, temps at Camp Baker have been peaking at over 70 and temps at Eden Bridge have been close to 80. I’m no scientist, but that seems pretty warm not to make the list. And that’s just one example. What I’m trying to get at is this; common sense and decency go a long way this time of year to protect fisheries across the state. Take a few minutes to do some research on where you plan on fishing, if the water temps are in that upper 60 degree range(65-67), move on. Seriously, don’t be a @$$hat about it. I know it sucks to have to pass up on your favorite water but I assure you there are other options at this point. You may have to put some effort in or deal with the crowds like Matt did yesterday, but it’s better than screwing up a fishery for everyone.

~Cheers, Chewy.