Lakestream Fly Shop

08/14/2026

Thanks to cooler, longer nights, conditions are better in some of our western MT waters, and we're lifting all closures and some "hoot-owl" restrictions (fishing closed 2 p.m.-midnight) in western Montana beginning Aug. 13.

❓What is still in hoot-owl restrictions in western MT❓
➡ Bitterroot River downstream from Veteran's Bridge in Hamilton to the confluence with the Clark Fork
➡ Clark Fork River from its origin at the confluence of Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek to the confluence with the Blackfoot
➡ Silver Bow Creek in its entirety from Blacktail Creek at Montana St. in Butte to the mouth of Warm Springs Creek at the Gas City Rd. Bridge

🔎 Find the statewide list of restrictions & closures here: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions

😅 Even where we don't have restrictions, it is important to take it easy on fish. Handle and release fish quickly & keep them in the water as much as possible.

🌄 Montana also offers many other angling options with better conditions for fish this time of year, including lakes, reservoirs, and higher-elevation waters.

08/08/2026

We have one NRS Slipstream left. Come snag this killer boat and get on the water today.

08/02/2026

With everything heating up in August, it’s a great time to target some warm water species. Think outside the trout box and mix it up by targeting some bass or pike on these hot afternoons!

07/28/2026

Hauled in this absolute unit of a rainbow trout a few weeks back when the water was still chilly. The Flathead River’s warming up fast, so make sure to keep those photo ops brief!

07/21/2026

With hot days and more coming it’s important to stay up to date with changing hoot owl regulations. Nothing changes in the Whitefish zone . Check out Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for up to date regulation changes!

Attention anglers! Additional “hoot-owl” fishing restrictions begin July 22 on several rivers across the state due to rising water temperatures.

So what’s a hoot-owl restriction? It means fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight each day when water temperatures are highest, and fish are most vulnerable.

New restrictions will impact several rivers, including:

-Big Hole River from the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River to Dickie Bridge
-Madison River from Eight Mile Ford Fishing Access Site to Ennis Reservoir
-Shields River from the bridge upstream of Wilsall between Jordan Bench and Pinkerton roads to the confluence with the Yellowstone River
-Yellowstone River from the Hwy. 89 bridge near Livingston to the Hwy. 212/310 bridge in Laurel
-Smith River from the confluence of the North and South forks of the Smith River to Eden Bridge
-Upper Clark Fork from the Clark Fork’s origin at the confluence of Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek to the mouth of Flint Creek
-Bitterroot River in its entirety, from the confluence of the East and West forks to the confluence with the Clark Fork River

Catch-and-release anglers can reduce stress on fish by handling fish quickly, keeping them in the water and reviving them prior to releasing them. As the summer warms, Montana offers many other angling options with better conditions for fish, including larger lakers, reservoirs, and higher-elevation lakes and streams.

Stay up to date on all current restrictions here: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures

07/14/2026

Ben Moore’s commitment to being out on the water every day truly pays off, and it really shows with this beauty from the Flathead River.

07/08/2026

Fishing has been awesome out there!! call or stop by Lakeside for the latest report and all things fly fishing.

07/04/2026

Lakestream Fly shop wishing you a very fishy’s 4th! Stay safe out there you need all your fingers to fly fish.

06/29/2026

Things are looking big and muddy the next few days. Be careful out there this week!