Fishing Regulations changes proposed for Northwest Montana
30 days public comment period through September 6th
by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
August 23, 2010
Fishing regulations are set every 4 years; the next major overhaul will be in 2012. However, regulations can be changed in interim years for clarification or conservation purposes. The following regulations were tentatively adopted by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission for northwest Montana and are out for 30 days public comment through September 6.
Flathead Lake - increase the lake trout daily limit from 50 fish to 100 fish under 30", leave the 30"-36" slot limit in place. This change follows the Flathead Co-Management Fisheries Plan to reduce small lake trout to help native fish. During the 2010 Spring Mack Days 118 anglers met the 50 fish limit.
North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River - remove the 1 over 14" size restriction for rainbow trout under the Combined Trout Limit. This brings the North Fork and non-wilderness portion of the Middle Fork into compliance with rainbow trout regulations for the main Flathead River and Glacier National Park. Harvest of rainbow trout reduces hybridization and competition with native cutthroat trout.
Rogers Lake – remove the one grayling only restriction from the Combined Trout Limit. Rogers Lake grayling were being managed for a genetic reserve. The genetics of the population are no longer suitable for that purpose.
Lake Koocanusa – reduce the bull trout limit from 2 fish to 1 fish annually. Restrict anglers to one line only. Lake Koocanusa is one of two waters in Montana with an experimental bull trout fishery. Bull trout are listed as threatened under ESA. The Lake Koocanusa bull trout have declined and managers are trying to stabilize the population. Harvest is already fairly conservative. The 1 line restriction is designed to reduce catch and release mortality.
Anglers can comment through September 6 by calling Don Skaar, Fisheries Management Section Chief at 406-444-7409 or by emailing fwpfishing@mt.gov. Contact: Jim Vashro, 406-751-4550.
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