Fishing closures due to low flows and spawning still in effect in other sections

Improved flows have allowed a section of the Big Hole River to be reopened to fishing.

The reopened section extends for 26 miles from the river’s confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River downstream to Dickie Bridge.

A fishing closure remains in effect upstream of the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River due to low flows. The closure status here may change in the coming days, depending on flows.

An annual fishing closure on the Big Hole River remains in effect from Dickie Bridge to the Jefferson River. Annual fishing closures began Oct. 1 for sections of the Big Hole, Ruby and Beaverhead rivers to protect trout during spawning seasons.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new regulations last year in response to struggling fish populations in the three rivers. These restrictions limit fall and spring angling during trout spawning season in some stretches of the rivers.

To see where these spawning-related fishing closures apply, check the current fishing regulations here. To view drought-related fishing restrictions and closures in other areas, click here.

For more information about ongoing research and fisheries management in the upper Missouri River Basin, click here.