Drought triggers fishing restrictions in Montana

  BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) -- Extended dry weather is prompting state wildlife
officials to impose afternoon and evening fishing restrictions on three
central Montana rivers.
   The so-called hoot-owl closures begin Friday on portions of the Dearborn,
Smith and Sun rivers.
   Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks' drought policy calls for fishing closures
when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for
three consecutive days.
   State officials say water temperatures of 77 degrees or higher can be lethal
to rainbow and brown trout, which prefer temperatures in the mid-50s.
   In a related step, the state plans to tell the owners of 37 water rights in
the Smith River basin that they must stop diverting water from the river. Officials
 say that will help protect the fishery.
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   On the web: fwp.mt.gov
   AP-WF-07-26-12 1203GMT