State fisheries biologists have decided to drop the afternoon and evening fishing restrictions on the Smith River in north central Montana starting Aug. 30. Recent cool and occasional wet weather have lowered water temperatures to below 70 degrees for more than three consecutive days. The river was closed to fishing Thursday, July 12, 2007 when water temperature exceeded 73 degrees for 10 days on the Smith. The Sun River remains closed to afternoon and evening fishing because water temperatures are still too high. Starting at 2 p.m., Aug. 30, anglers will be able to fish the Smith whenever they like. However, fisheries biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are asking anglers to practice caution and add a thermometer to their gear, regularly checking water temperature. If the water reaches 70 degrees, it’s best to quit fishing for the day. FWP closes streams to fishing when low water conditions, and high temperatures combined with fishing pressure would lead to an unacceptable level of stress on fish. Low flows, high water temperatures and competition for space and food stress fish. When fish seek refuge in pools, where the water is deeper and cooler, they become more vulnerable to anglers and predators. Fish can die from the higher water temperatures, lower oxygen levels and reduced resistance to disease. These threats can affect adult trout numbers in future years.
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