Spawning fishing closures begin on the Big Hole, Ruby and Beaverhead Rivers

BOZEMAN, Mont. — The annual fishing closure on sections of the Big Hole, Ruby and Beaverhead rivers began Tuesday.

The closures are intended to protect trout during the spawning season.

To see which areas are closed due to spawning fishing closures, click here.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks sent the following statement:

Annual fishing closures began Oct. 1 on sections of the Big Hole, Ruby and Beaverhead rivers to protect trout during spawning seasons.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new regulations last year in response to fish population problems in three rivers. These restrictions limit fall and spring fishing during the trout spawning season in some river sections.

To see where spawning fishing restrictions apply, check current fishing regulations here.

Some pass-related fishing closures remain in effect on the remainder of the Big Hole River. As a result, the entire Big Hole River is currently closed to fishing. Flow-related closures will remain in effect until flows improve or November 1.

Trout numbers in several areas of the three rivers have declined steadily since 2011 and are at or near historic lows. Meanwhile, fishing pressure in these areas has increased. Current fishing regulations are designed to respond to fish populations in accordance with the Montana Statewide Fisheries Management Plan.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is conducting new research with Montana State University to better understand and manage trout mortality, recruitment and health. To learn more about this study, click here.

More information can be found at fwp.mt.gov/fish.