Hoot-owl fishing restrictions lifted on Sun River Sept. 10

Recent cooler temperatures will allow Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to lift the hoot-owl fishing restriction on Sept. 10 on the Sun River from the mouth of Muddy Creek to the Highway 287 bridge.

Hoot-owl restrictions have been in place since July 10 and are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when low flows and high water temperatures combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing, according to FWP.

Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river, according to FWP.

For a list of current drought-related fishing restrictions and closures, click here.