Montana News Roundup: “Hoot Owl” Hitting the Economy

Fishing guides and the outdoor economy are taking a hit in Montana this summer, as the list of "hoot owl" fishing restrictions continues to expand, as the state takes measures to protect fish in a season of low water and high temperatures.

Montana FWP uses the restrictions to stop fishing in the afternoons and evenings, giving fish a chance to take shelter in colder, deeper water.

Restrictions, including the Madison, Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Gallatin rivers, now cover some of the best fishing waters in the state. Smaller rivers also restricted include the Ruby, Shields, Sun, and Smith Rivers.

Now, a full fishing closure is taking effect today on the lower Big Hole River from "Notch" all the way down to the confluence with the Beaverhead River. Restrictions were already in place on upper reaches of the Big Hole.

Fishing is still allowed in the mornings in most cases, although FWP is asking catch-and-release anglers to do what they can to ease stress on the fish.

     🎣 An earlier study said Montana's fishing industry is worth more than $9,000,000 to the state's economy.

2025 Marathon was HUGE for business

The latest numbers show the hundreds of runners that took part in this summer's Missoula Marathon, along with their friends and families, were in a spending mood, contributing an amazing $4.26 million to the local economy.

And just as importantly, Race Weekend was a major force in filling up hotel rooms for the weekend. Race organizers say more than 93% of rooms in the city were full on Saturday night.

     🏃🏻‍♀️ Run Wild Missoula had increased race registration from 1500 to 1700 for the full marathon, and 3300 for the half marathon.

Another ATV death

Details coming through now of another fatal crash in a string of deaths over the past week, and the third involving an ATV.

Montana Highway Patrol now says a 57-year-old Hamilton man was killed when he lost control of his Polaris on Mill Creek Road Sunday afternoon, throwing him out of the machine. He died later at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Strange murder case moving slowly

The trial of a Park County man accused in the death of another man, and reportedly planning additional murders, is being delayed while the courts sort through several pre-trial motions.

23-year-old Kadin Hawkeye Lewis was first accused of murdering Casey Anderson, his mother's ex-boyfriend, while he was in his camper in Paradise Valley nearly 3 years ago. Those charges were later dismissed because of problems with the evidence.

However, the federal case has continued, with federal prosecutors saying Lewis was in possession of firearms and explosives and was planning to commit more murders at area high schools and Chico Hot Springs.

     Lewis' trial was set for August 18th in Billings, but has been delayed while the courts consider additional motions related to evidence in the case.

More seating at Flathead Co Fairgrounds

Flathead County becomes the latest fairgrounds in the state to unveil a new grandstand, adding hundreds of new seats for rodeos, live performances, and other events.

The county started the project just last fall, with fair managers saying they're now ready to cut the ribbon on the new bleachers on Tuesday, August 5th at 11 am. The new "north bleachers" will add over 400 seats to the facility in time for the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo.

Jobless rate sets new records… again

This report Friday probably didn't get enough attention, as Montana's unemployment registered a 2.8% percent mark in June, marking the 9th straight month under 3%. But just as significantly, the report marks four consecutive years of joblessness at, or below 3.4%, which is also a new record. 

     Montana’s unemployment rate was 1.3% lower than the national unemployment rate, which was 4.1% in June.

     📉 Montana ranked in the top five states in the nation with the lowest unemployment rates.