With all the water Montana has received this season, stream closures due to warm and low flows are not on most people’s mind. We do have a few however, and as they are all in our area, you should be made aware. Read the descriptions closely for the exact stretches and times that are closed.
Dearborn River
Hoot Owl Restriction
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
From Highway 434 Bridge downstream 41 miles to the confluence with the Missouri River north of Craig (8/8/2014)
View Water Body Report
Smith River
Hoot Owl Restriction
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Smith River from Eden Bridge to the confluence of North and South Forks of the Smith River.(8/8/2014)
View Water Body Report
Sun River
Hoot Owl Restriction
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Sun River from mouth of Muddy Creek to Highway 287. (8/8/2014)
View Water Body Report
None of these will drastically affect anyones fly fishing right now, though there are a few anglers who might hit some of these on foot right now. Fortunately, there are plenty of other wade fishing opportunities in the area if you like to get away from the crowds on the big rivers. The upper creeks on the Blackfoot River are a good place to start. Streams in the Little Belt range are another good place to look.
LINK to Montana FWP closure list