Montana streams cooling; more fishing restrictions lifted

FISHING — Things are getting back to normal for anglers in Montana, as Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks lifted fishing restrictions for the Bitterroot River on Friday.

HOWEVER, the Blackfoot River system is being closed to fishing completely starting Thursday because of low, warm stream flows.

The Ravalli Republic reports the agency lifted the restrictions on the Bitterroot after water temperatures held below the 70-degree restriction trigger for three days.

The entire main stem of the Bitterroot since July 25 had been closed to fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight in an effort to reduce stress on fish.

Clark Fork River restrictions were lifted on Wednesday.