That means no more after-work outings on those rivers, at least until the water temperature comes down.
With the recent spate of 100-degree days, temperatures in both rivers swelled to over 73 degrees, the threshold the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks says is detrimental to wild trout. The agency's drought closure policy kicks in when rivers reach or exceed that temperature for three straight days.
The Clark Fork will be closed from the mouth of Rock Creek to its confluence with the Flathead River, about 10 miles southeast of Plains. The upper river remains open, as does the Bitterroot above the Tucker Crossing access site near Victor. The remaining 44 miles down to Missoula are closed in the afternoon and evening.
The state also closed the Sun and Smith rivers in central Montana to fishing, starting at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
Pat Saffel, FWP's regional fisheries manager, said anglers should look to lakes, reservoirs and tributaries and the cooler parts of rivers as an alternative to the closed streams.
“When water temperatures increase and river flows drop, catching and handling fish adds an additional stress that they sometimes can't handle,” Saffel said. “Trout are affected by lower oxygen levels in the water and are more vulnerable to disease and predation under current water conditions.”
The closures announced Tuesday will remain in effect until water temperatures dip to 70 degrees or below for three straight days. If it appears such a cooling off might not last, the restrictions will remain in place.
Historically, fishing restrictions last until late August or early September, the agency said.
|
 |
 |
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)