Evening fishing restrictions known as "Hoot Owl" restrictions go into effect on Wednesday, July 15 on the lower Madison River.

The restriction will apply to the stretch of the river from the Warm Springs Boat Launch to the confluence with the Jefferson River near Three Forks. 2020 is the first year of a permanent "Hoot Owl" restriction on the lower Madison.  The restriction will now be in effect July 15 through Aug. 15 every year.

Hoot owl restrictions prohibit fishing each day between 2:00 p.m. and midnight. Restrictions of this nature are enacted to protect fish, such as trout, which become more susceptible to disease and mortality when high water temperatures combine with additional stressors.

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission approved this permanent yearly restriction for the Madison River on October 17 as part of an update to fishing regulations.

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