Yellowstone and Montana Rivers Face Summer Fishing Closures

Even though parts of Montana saw snow over the weekend, some of our rivers are already too warm for trout. When water temperatures climb and levels drop, it puts a serious strain on native fish species—especially cold-water trout. To help ease that stress, temporary fishing closures—also called Hoot Owl Restrictions—are often put in place during the summer.

Yellowstone National Park and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) have now issued these restrictions on three of the most popular rivers in the state. In Montana, Hoot Owl restrictions mean fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight. In Yellowstone, the closure is listed as 2 p.m. to sunrise—so it's important to check local rules before you hit the water.

Current River Restrictions:

• Madison River and all tributaries
• Firehole River and all tributaries
• Gibbon River (downstream of Norris Campground)

Why the River Closures?

It comes down to two things: warm water temps and low flows. Yellowstone Park reported river temps exceeding 68°F for multiple days. Meanwhile, Montana FWP noted that water temperatures on the Madison near West Yellowstone topped 73°F for three straight days starting June 15.

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What Can You Do To Help Montana's Trout?

When it comes to fishing in these conditions, do your part. Handle fish with care and release them quickly. That Instagram shot can wait—what matters most is giving that trout a better chance at surviving the summer heat. Fish early, fish smart, and always check the regs before heading out.