ANACONDA – Due to improved flows, the angling closure on Section 2 of the Big Hole River, from the North Fork of the Big Hole River to Dickie Bridge, is immediately lifted. That is the only section of the Big Hole River open to fishing. The existing closure upstream of the North Fork remains in place as well as the spawning closures downstream of Dickie Bridge that took effect Oct. 1.
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 in 2023 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.
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