FWP staff report stable stream conditions in Montana

“Once we started talking about the lack of rain and shouting from the rooftops, of course it rained,” said FWP Fish Chief Adam Strainer.

Strainer, along with Region 2 fisheries manager Pat Saffel, Region 3 fisheries manager Mike Duncan, and water rights and instream flow specialist Stephen Begley, hosted a virtual state of Montana’s fisheries townhall meeting on Thursday. The group discussed current water conditions, the effects of the recent rains and how the forecast could impact stream flows and water temperatures.

“In terms of the most recent conditions, yes, I think the rain has certainly helped our outlook,” Begley said. “If anything, it has bought some time.”

FWP’s drought team meets every week to evaluate flow, temperature, angling pressure and other factors that can impact fish habitat and fish health during the summer months. When certain thresholds are met, fishing restriction can take effect. For instance, if a body of water is warmer than 73 degrees for three consecutive days, a hoot owl restriction will go into effect. This prohibits fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight to protect the fish from excess stress during the hottest time of day.

In regions 2 and 3, conditions are somewhat stable for now.

“I think we've been the bright spot for most of the year,” Region 2’s Saffel said. “Our drought status has been that we’re, by and large, not in drought.”

In Region 3, the recent rains bumped up flows to near normal for this time of year.

“But I think we're quickly going to be back to where we were before that storm unless we get some other moisture moving through,” Region 3’s Duncan said.

To watch a recording of the townhall meeting, click here.