FWP releases updated wolf estimation tool in 2026 Wolf Report 

BOZEMAN– Warming river water is prompting more hoot-owl fishing restrictions and one complete closure in southwest Montana this week.

The Madison River, from the Madison Dam at Ennis Reservoir to the footbridge at the NorthWestern Energy powerhouse, is closed to fishing at all hours beginning Wednesday, July 15. The closure is in response to warm outflows from Ennis Reservoir that are preventing nighttime cooling in that section of the river. Hoot-owl restrictions, which prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day, also take effect on July 15 at 2 p.m. on the following rivers in southwest Montana:

• Big Hole River: two sections of the river are impacted (Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence with North Fork of the Big Hole River and Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site to confluence with Beaverhead River)

• Gallatin River: lower river, from Cameron Bridge Road to the confluence with the Missouri River

• East Gallatin River: entire river

• Jefferson River: entire river

• Madison River: lower river, from the footbridge at the NorthWestern Energy powerhouse to the confluence with the Jefferson River (this extends the hoot-owl that is already in place from Warm Springs FAS to the confluence)

• Ruby River: lower river, from Duncan District Road to the confluence with the Beaverhead River

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks also reminds anglers that a few sections of rivers in southwest Montana are already under Hoot-Owl restrictions:

• The Madison River: above Hebgen Reservoir, from the upstream most Yellowstone National Park boundary to Hebgen Reservoir as well as a portion of the lower river from Warm Springs FAS to the confluence

• Lower Beaverhead River: from Highway 41 near East Bench Road and Beaverhead Rock to its confluence with the Big Hole River 

These restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve. To check for a full list of Montana fishing restrictions, including a map, visit: fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures.

FWP's drought policy provides for angling restrictions when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can be lethal to trout.     

These restrictions are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when water temperatures warm. Restricting angling to only cool morning hours can help reduce catch-and-release mortality.     

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

Along with monitoring stream temperatures, FWP also monitors stream flows and, in some streams, holds instream flow water rights. FWP’s water program can issue a call on junior water users, when appropriate, to contribute to stream flows through the late summer and early fall. For more information on FWP water rights, visit: fwp.mt.gov/conservation/fisheries-management/water-management.

Co-developed with O’Reilly Hospitality Management, the 125-room hotel is ERES’s second hotel and third project at Yellowstone Airport Plaza.

BELGRADE - ERES Companies is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton in Belgrade, MT. Co-developed by ERES Companies and O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC (OHM), the four-story, 72,000-square-foot hotel features 125 well-appointed rooms and is professionally managed by OHM.

Located at 408 Belgrade Blvd, directly across from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), the hotel offers convenient access to downtown Bozeman, Montana State University, Big Sky Resort, Bridger Bowl, and Yellowstone National Park. Guests will find complimentary hot breakfast, free high-speed Wi-Fi, an indoor pool with a mountain-view patio, a fitness center, flexible meeting space, and a lobby with a dedicated co-working lounge. The Hampton brand has been ranked the #1 hotel franchise for 15 consecutive years.

“Belgrade and the wider Gallatin Valley remain among the fastest-growing communities in the country, and sustained growth like this only works when the infrastructure keeps pace,” said Mike Elliott, CEO of ERES. “The Hampton reflects our long-term commitment to this region, and our belief that thoughtful development is part of how a fast-growing community stays livable.”

“When you invest in the right market and execute with discipline, the impact extends beyond a single asset,” said Tom Bradley, President of ERES. “The Hampton strengthens Yellowstone Airport Plaza while creating lasting value for our investors, our partners, and the Belgrade community.”

“This hotel will provide an exceptional upscale destination for leisure and business travelers in the Bozeman and Belgrade area,” said Tim O’Reilly, CEO of O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC. “We are incredibly proud of our opening team and look forward to serving travelers in this growing economy.”

The Hampton follows the EVEN Hotel by IHG and the 168-unit Yellowstone Landing Apartments at Yellowstone Airport Plaza, both completed in 2024, as ERES continues to build out the mixed-use district at the new Interstate 90 interchange. The hotel is part of Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty program. For reservations, call (406) 818-0105.

About ERES Companies

Founded in 2014, ERES Companies is a fast-growing, vertically integrated real estate firm providing all-inclusive real estate services in key and emerging markets across the globe. With more than 175 professionals, ERES supports clients through brokerage, capital, development, project management, construction, asset services, energy market services, and consulting, partnering with organizations, investors, developers, and Fortune 500 companies to solve complex real estate challenges. Visit www.erescompanies.com.

About O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC

Founded in 2007 by Tim O’Reilly, O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC specializes in the design, development, and staffing of hotels, restaurants, and commercial properties for some of the leading national and independent brands. Built on sustainability, community involvement, and an elevated guest experience, the Springfield, Missouri firm brings forward-thinking initiatives to 40 existing sites nationwide. Visit www.ohospitalitymanagement.com.

BOZEMAN — Twenty current and emerging leaders from Montana’s agriculture and natural resource industries have been selected to take part in the seventh class of a Montana State University Extension program offering in-depth education and training. The program is called REAL Montana; REAL stands for Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership.

• Stan Alles, Roundup. Manager of railroad operations, Signal Peak Energy, LLC.
• Kenadee Chartier, Sand Coulee. Relationship/branch manager, AgWest Farm Credit.
• Buddy Cheff, Ronan. Owner, Mountain Shadow Cattle, LLC.
• Julie Darling, Helena. Government affairs specialist, NorthWestern Energy.
• Jodie Drange, Laurel. Vice president/secretary, Drange Apiary, Inc.
• Krista Lee Evans, Helena. Vice president of government and community relations, Sentinel Metals.
• Megan Irion, Roundup. Executive director, Montana FFA Foundation.
• Dana Jansen, Lavina. Director of ag safety, Montana Farm Bureau Federation.
• Dani Jones, East Helena. Program officer, Montana Department of Agriculture.
• Tryg Koch, Kalispell. Owner, Heritage Custom Farming.
• Stephen McLaughlin, Victor. President and co-founder, Remsight.
• Ian Moore, Ennis. Director of forestry and ag, BurnBot.
• Caitlin Morrison, Billings. Environmental adviser, Par Montana.
• Scott Morrison, Great Falls. Lab manager, Calumet Refining Montana.
• JM Peck, Melrose. President, Trapper Creek Ranch.
• Rachel Prevost, Great Falls. Executive director, Montana Farmers Union.
• Mariah Shammel, Hilger. Co-owner, Shammel Ranch and Montana RanchHERS Beef Co.
• Cody Shick, Choteau. Regional manager, barley program, Molson-Coors.
• Lacey Sutherlin, Stevensville. Territory manager, ABS Global; Co-owner, 3C Cattle.
• Katharine Taylor, Jefferson City. Special assistant for communications, Montana governor’s office.

The Downtown Bozeman Association and downtown businesses are proud to present the 2026 Summer Crazy Days Sidewalk Sale! Downtown Bozeman’s Summer Crazy Days begins Friday, July 17th and goes through Sunday, July 19th. Please note, specific event timing will vary depending on individual business hours, typically 10 AM – 5 PM.

Summer Crazy Days, also known as the “best Summer sale in Bozeman”, will offer amazing sales, specials, and promotions throughout the weekend. Expect to find some of the best deals on summer merchandise and inventory sales from downtown retailers, as well as dine-in and take-out specials from restaurants, bars, and coffee shops alike!

Downtown Businesses as well as DBA Members located outside of downtown will be participating and offering fantastic sales.

Check out some Crazy Deals below:

Architects Wife – 20% off Storewide, Excludes Consignment Art, Special discounts on "One of a Kind Finds"
Barefoot Campus Outfitters – A sale rack outside the store, Balloons, Our spin-the-wheel game with discounts and freebies, + Complimentary water and sodas for shoppers
Barton Perreira – Deeply discounted optical and sunglass frames as well as 20% off prescription lenses with a frame purchase
Carlisle – Carlisle Burger for $15. BLUE CREEK MARBLED RANCH CARLISLE BURGER - Angus beef with white cheddar and Carlisle sauce on an Aurore Bakery brioche bun topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle | 20 *** Served with crispy fries or potato chips
Earth’s Treasures – 50% off Mystery Boxes and Bags!
Element Bozeman – 10% off meeting spaces. Simply mention “Crazy Days” promotion at time of booking.
Inland Boutique - 30% off BAGGU, Up to 80% off select clothing, receive one giveaway entry with every in-store purchase
Intrigue Ink – $15 tanks, @20 tees, $25 sweatshirts
Lockhorn Cider - $1 stickers, $2 12oz cans, $3 16oz cans, $4 pints of Bozeman Backyard Blend, $5 hummus plates
mär-ket-plās – Kids’ flower bar - $1 a stem; Curated wine table at 15%; Specialty Food Items at 75% off
Sacks – Bag sale on July 18th for $10/bag! Bags provided by Owenhouse Ace Hardware
Sky Shed at the Kimpton Armory – The deals don’t stop when the shopping starts! Join us during Downtown Bozeman’s Crazy Days for Golden Hour from open to close in Sky Shed! 2-11 PM
Sweet Pea Festival – Selling discounted “vintage” merch
Tune Up at the Kimpton Armory – The deals don’t stop when the shopping starts! Join us during Downtown Bozeman’s Crazy Days for Happy Hour from open to close in Tune Up! 6 PM - 12 AM
Wild Wisdom – Up to 70% off Select Items

More special promotions and deals will be shared on our Instagram and Facebook Event.

There is no cost for shoppers or businesses to participate in Summer Crazy Days. The event is FREE and open to the public and will take place rain or shine!

For more information, please visit downtownbozeman.org/crazydays or ring the Downtown Bozeman Partnership office at 406-586-4008.

HELENA – Hoot-owl restrictions take effect Saturday, July 11 at 2 p.m. on the following rivers: 

North-central Montana: 

• Sun River – from the Highway 287 bridge to the mouth of Muddy Creek 

Southwest Montana: 

• Lower Madison River – From Warm Springs Fishing Access Site to the confluence with the Jefferson River 

• Madison River above Hebgen Reservoir – From the upstream most Yellowstone National Park boundary to Hebgen Reservoir 

• Lower Beaverhead River – From Highway 41 near East Bench Road and Beaverhead Rock to its confluence with the Big Hole River 

Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. These restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve.     

To check for other restrictions, click here.    

FWP's drought policy provides for angling restrictions when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can be lethal to trout.     

These restrictions are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when water temperatures warm. Restricting angling to only cool morning hours can help reduce catch-and-release mortality.     

Catch-and-release anglers can reduce stress on fish by getting them to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river.      

As the summer warms, Montana offers many other angling options with better conditions for fish, including larger lakes or reservoirs, or higher elevation lakes and streams.    

Along with monitoring stream temperatures, FWP also monitors stream flows and, in some streams, holds instream flow water rights. FWP’s water program can issue a call on junior water users, when appropriate, to contribute to stream flows through the late summer and early fall. For more information on FWP water rights, click here.