Elks Lodge 1554 - Dillon MT

09/01/2026

UPDATE: Daily fishing restrictions, commonly known as hoot-owl restrictions, have been lifted for several rivers in southwestern Montana with cooling water temperatures.

Restrictions have been removed for the Gallatin, Jefferson, Ruby and Shields rivers. The following updates have been made for the Madison River:

- The restriction immediately upstream of Ennis Reservoir and the closure downstream of the reservoir have been removed.
- A hoot-owl restriction remains in effect upstream of Hebgen Reservoir to the boundary of Yellowstone National Park.
- A hoot-owl restriction remains in effect from the Bureau of Land Management’s Warm Springs boat launch to the confluence with the Jefferson River.

Drought-related fishing closures and restrictions also remain in effect for the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers.

These restrictions were implemented because of warm water temperatures. Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day to prevent excessive fish mortality from angling when water temperatures are warm. Full closures prohibit angling for the entire day.

Water conservation efforts continue to be important to Montana’s fisheries. Staff with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are working with irrigators and other partners to improve flows and other instream conditions where possible.

Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting the fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them before releasing them back into the river.

To view current drought-related fishing restrictions and closures, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Please note that the Lodge is still closed except for Friday's member bar. No Bingo or Strong People.

08/30/2026

Most people aren't looking for another organization.

They're looking for friendship.

Purpose.

A place to belong.

The only thing standing between them and the Elks may be one simple invitation.

Who will you invite this week?

Learn more:
join.elks.org

08/30/2026

A portion of the Beaverhead River will close to fishing earlier than normal due to drought conditions and a subsequent reduction in flows.

A full fishing closure will begin Sept. 1 from Clark Canyon Dam to Pipe Organ Fishing Access Site. The seasonal spawning closure in that reach, which runs Oct. 1 through the third Saturday in May, will remain in place regardless of river conditions.

The early closure comes following coordination between dam operators, irrigators, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. To help address declining water levels in Clark Canyon Reservoir after years of drought, dam operators plan to reduce outflows starting Sept. 1, which is about a month earlier than normal for winter flows. Current inflows to Clark Canyon Reservoir are only 157 cubic feet per second, with the reservoir at less than 30 percent of capacity. Several large water users downstream will also cease irrigation operations Sept. 1, in part, to help minimize impacts to the Beaverhead fishery.

Low flows create stressful conditions for fish, making them more susceptible to excessive mortality from angling. FWP’s drought criteria provides for angling restrictions and closures based on stream flow and temperature thresholds. FWP staff will continue to monitor flows and water temperatures in coordination with dam operators in an effort to avoid additional fishing closures downstream of Pipe Organ FAS.

Other fishing regulations still apply for the Beaverhead River. To see the current regulations, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/fish/regulations

For current restrictions and closures of Montana waterbodies, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions

08/29/2026

Freedom has always come with sacrifice.

Throughout our nation's history, courageous men and women have answered the call to serve.

The Elks have long stood beside our veterans, military families, and active-duty service members—not just during holidays, but throughout the year.

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, we proudly honor those whose service has helped preserve the freedoms we cherish.

Thank you for your service.

Learn more: join.elks.org

08/28/2026

(News Release Update) Yellowstone lifts full closures for Firehole, Madison and Gibbon rivers. Partial restrictions remain in effect from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day.

Effective Friday, Aug. 28, anglers can fish the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers and all associated tributaries from sunrise until 2 p.m. each day. Cooling weather and water temperatures, as well as precipitation in the current weather forecast, allow for the previous full closures to be lifted.

The full closures were implemented on July 15 because low water flows and high water temperatures exceeding 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) can be lethal to fish. Water temperatures have cooled at night, allowing for fishing for part of the day. Anglers can fish on most other park rivers, streams and lakes daily from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2026 Fishing Regulations booklet.

Staff will continue to monitor the water temperatures. Temporary restrictions may be lifted, or additional closures may be put in place, depending on condition assessments.

👉 Learn more at: go.nps.gov/26015