Understanding HOOT OWL Restrictions
Keep em WET!
Our 2024 fishing season has been great thus far. We had a low snow pack this year in our mountains which allowed us to start floating the Yellowstone River earlier than usual. Also, many of our favorite rivers in Yellowstone started to fish earlier than typical with favorable water flows at the end of June and beginning of July. Recently, the Hopper fishing has really started to pick up, and there are lots of caddis, PMDs, and ants on the water. The season and fishing has been fun. We enjoyed having favorable fishable conditions early in the season….. But, every rose has its’ thorn.
The down side to good early season fishing is that it often leads to lower water levels later in the season. Our weather has been HOT in the afternoons (up to 100 degrees). When the weather is hot, and there is limited rain, the water heats up in the afternoon putting stree on the fish. Water temperature is key. When the Water temps get too hot in the afternoons, Yellowstone Park and Montana can put a restriction on fishing after 2pm. Simply put, river sections that are on a HOOT OWL restriction are open to fish up until 2pm. At 2:00pm, the adventure (hiking, driving, wildlife viewing, etc.) continues, but the casting has to stop.
Fish on!
Start early!
Currently, only certain sections of rivers in Yellowstone National Park have HOOT OWL restrictions. For the most up to date information- Please click this link for Yellowstone fishery info. Currently, the rivers in our fishing region that have HOOT OWL restrictions starting Friday, July 25, 2024, are Slough Creek, sections of the Lamar, Soda Butte, sections of the Yellowstone, and sections of the Gardiner. We love all of these rivers and fish them often. They have all been fishing well to very well with the right cast and drift! If you plan to fish these rivers, please check Yellowstone’s website so you have the most up to date info…. and start your hike back at 2:00!
As of now, none of our rivers that we float are under any restrictions. For the most up to date Montana River Restrictions, please click this link!
Nice Drift!
Currently, the Yellowstone River in the state of Montana is not on HOOT OWL restrictions. Although the float sections of the Yellowstone are completely open for fishing during all hours of the day right now, we highly encourage you to be off the water by 2 or 3 during these hot days. No one wants to be frying in the hot sun in the afternoon anyways. Put on early, then go find a cold drink in a dark bar……… The best fishing hours currently are about 8am-1pm. Our nights and mornings are getting relatively cool (thankfully), so maximize your time during the best parts of the day!
Relax…. YOU are on vacation!
Frequently asked questions about Hoot Owl Restrictions
If you have a fishing adventure scheduled with us, please read and let us know if you have any questions!
Are the rivers closed to fishing?
No. All of the rivers we fish in July and August are open to fishing. Some of our rivers (in Yellowstone National PArk) are open to fishing until 2pm. Many of the rivers we fish in Yellowstone National Park currently have VERY cold water and can be fished all hours of the day.
Is the fishing still good?
Yes! Rivers that have a hoot owl restrictions are still fishing well before 2pm. Our guide staff has seen comparable fishing conditions in the mornings/early afternoons (when the water is cooler) to other seasons without fishing restrictions. Of course, the fishing is better with no wind, clouds, an accurate and crisp cast, and a long drag free drift! Pray for clouds… always.
Why are river sections put on HOOT OWL restrictions?
Rivers are put on this restriction when the water gets too hot in the afternoons. If a fish is caught in warmer water, it can put stress on the fish and increase the chance of mortality. We like our fish to survive, so get off the water when it’s too hot (generally 70ish degrees)
I have a half day morning float trip or walk-wade adventure booked… Will this affect my trip?
No, your trip is unaffected. You will likely meet your guide at 7 or 8am and be off the water around 11 or noonish.
I have a full day walk-wade adventure booked, will this affect my trip?
Possibly. Generally speaking, our full day walk-wade trips meet in Gardiner or Mammoth at 8am and you are back at your car around 4pm. Walk-wade trips in Yellowstone include every aspect of the adventure (driving/wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, hiking back, driving/wildlife viewing back, etc). Because of the other adventure aspects to the trip, we generally stop fishing around 3 to start the hike/adventure back to Gardiner. So, if you are fishing a section of river that will be on Hoot Owl restriction at 2:00, we are happy to meet you at 7am and start the adventure an hour earlier. You can plan on being back to your car around 3ish.
I have a full day float trip scheduled, is my trip affected?
Technically no. However, when it is hot in the afternoons and the water is warm, we like to meet early and get off early. For the next few weeks, you can plan on meeting your guide between the hours of 6:30 and 8am (depending on river section and your personal preference). You will get off the water between 2:30 and 3:30ish.
When will hoot owl restrictions be lifted?
Hoot Owl restrictions are lifted when water temperatures get consistantly cooler. This can happen with rain, cooler weather above the water, and longer, cooler nights.
What else should I know before coming out to Montana for my fishing trip this year?
It is alawys a good idea to read or reread our frequently asked questions, Booking rates and terms, and check the pre-trip packing list! Even though it is hot, do not forget your rain jacket!
Tight Lines and see you in Montana!
Yellowstone River Outfitters
