FISHING -- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is limiting fishing hours on several rivers due to lower flows and warmer temperatures.

The fishing closures between 2 p.m. and midnight will take effect Monday on portions of the Dearborn, Smith and Sun rivers along with the Lower Madison and Upper Big Hole rivers.

FWP orders “hoot owl” closures when maximum water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days.

The preferred water temperature for rainbow and brown trout is about 56 degrees.

The closures affect the Dearborn River from Highway Bridge 435 to the confluence with the Missouri River north of Craig; the Smith River from the confluence of the North and South forks to Eden Bridge south of Great Falls; and the Sun River from Highway 287 bridge to the mouth of Muddy Creek west of Great Falls.

The Lower Madison River closure is in effect from Ennis Dam to Three Forks while the Upper Big Hole closure is from the headwaters outside Jackson to Dickey Bridge. 

The Clark Fork River near Superior continutes to be restricted because of a nearby wildfire.