With falling water levels in the Yellowstone River due to hot and dry conditions, boaters should use caution when launching.
According to Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 7 Fishing Access Site Manager Jamie Hould, Amelia Island (near Hysham) boat ramp is fully exposed, and Stipek (seven miles northeast of Glendive) boat ramp is very close to being out of the water.
With the ever-changing river bottom structure, some of the boat ramps in the region may have steep drop-offs, Hould cautioned. This can cause damage to boat axles and make it a challenge to load and unload. It is always a good idea for folks to inspect the ramp before they try and launch.
There may be some isolated incidents of fish dying due to low flows or high water temperatures, but at present there is no plan to place fishing restrictions on rivers or water bodies in Region 7.
People visiting FWP Fishing Access Sites, Wildlife Management Areas or state parks in Region 7 should be aware of fire restrictions currently in place, and they should check periodically for additional restrictions. At present, Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place at FWP sites in Treasure, Powder River and Carter counties. FWP sites in these areas include Broadus Bridge FAS (Powder River), Myers Bridge FAS and Amelia Island FAS (Treasure), Amelia Island WMA and Isaac Homestead WMA (Treasure) and Medicine Rocks State Park (Carter). Tongue River Reservoir State Park in Bighorn County is also under Stage 1 restrictions.
Stage 1 restrictions mean that people cannot build or maintain a campfire at these sites, with the exception of Tongue River Reservoir State Park, which is staffed and allows fires within established rings. People also may not smoke except within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of flammable materials. Recreationists may cook on a liquid petroleum gas or propane stove that can be turned on and off.
With hot, dry weather bearing down on Montana, FWP reminds everyone who plans to be outdoors to be cautious of fire danger on public and private lands.
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