Bitterroot River Levels are Drifting to Historic Lows

The Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) is among the local groups concerned about the low water and high water temperatures of the valley's most important river.

Bitterroot River water temperatures have already been as high as 61 degrees, according to TU. Streamflows are near lowest levels ever reported.

The Bitterroot Water Forum heard concerns from Bitterroot Valley irrigation companies and the agriculture community last week.

This week, Bitterroot Trout Unlimited will have a meeting in Hamilton dealing with possible fish restrictions. Bitterroot River Commissioner Al Pernichele and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks biologist Chris Clancy will talk about measures such as Hoot Owl restrictions and river closures.

The meeting will be the Hamilton Elks Club on the corner of South 2nd and State Street. The session starts at 7:30 p.m. July 14.