As rivers reopen, legislators question FWP closure authority

October 03, 2016 by Laura Lundquist

As October begins, fishing fades into the background as sportsmen anticipate the start of rifle season. But for those still wanting to wet a line, the cooler weather has meant cooler water and increasing access to rivers that closed due to the summer heat. While some anglers understand the need to close rivers, it appears that legislators don’t. So they may challenge Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ decisions during the 2017 Legislature.

On Friday, FWP reopened most of the Big Hole River, the only stream in the state still under restrictions. However, the lower section from the Notch Bottom Fishing Access Site to the Jefferson River at Twin Bridges remains closed, according to criteria outlined in the Big Hole Watershed Drought Management Plan.

Heat wave increases threats of wildfire, fish kills

July 02, 2015 by Laura Lundquist

For the past week, the jet stream has forced Montana to resemble Arizona, prompting several fireworks and fishing restrictions.

High temperature records for the end of June have been blown out of the water in Montana, especially in the western part of the state. The heat settled over Washington, Idaho and Montana over the weekend, and temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal should last at least until Sunday.

Heat wave spells early trouble for Montana trout

June 24, 2015 by Laura Lundquist

River levels are dropping rapidly as summer temperatures continue to climb, and both trends spell trouble for Montana’s trout. As Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks prepares for fishing closures, anglers can do some things to help fish out.

By Saturday, high temperatures are predicted to top 100 degrees and stay that way at least through Wednesday for parts of western Montana. That’s 20 to 25 degrees above normal for this time of year and the extended heat wave will break records, according to the National Weather Service. It's a preview of what summers may become due to climate change.

Even worse, the nighttime lows are predicted to barely sink into the 60s, so there won’t be much relief.

While some Montanans can escape to air-conditioned houses, wildlife that aren’t adapted to such hot weather are in for a miserable week.