Clark Canyon Reservoir

This summer was hot and water levels in many places were low. Those are ripe conditions for harmful algal blooms. But state environmental regulators say reports of blooms are lower than previous years.

Where there are stressed fish, there are stressed fishing guides. As Montana and much of the west feel the effects of persistent drought, those with a line in the future of the state’s fisheries are navigating high temperatures, low flow and closures across the state.