Fish Wildlife and Parks of Montana News and Info
Nelson Reservoir Update
As most of you all know, the Bureau of Reclamation is proposing to implement new rules (and revisions to the existing rules) to the Federal Register (Law) governing Bureau of Reclamation lands. 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 429 is of major interest to those of you that have cabins on Nelson Reservoir or on any waterbody governed by the Bureau of Reclamation.
429.32 Subpart H is of specific concern as it states under part (b) "Other private exclusive recreational or residential uses of Reclmation land, facilities, and waterbodies may exist. When authorizations for these uses expire, Reclamation generally will not renew them. Rare exceptions may be authorized and use authorizations issued with the approval of the Commissioner's Office."
Although somewhat vague, it specifically applies to our cabinsite leases at Nelson Reservoir.
In visiting with the "Big Boys" from the Department of the Interior and a Regional Realty Officer that was on the panel doing these revisions and rule changes, the response was: "First let me just say, I am totally against private and exclusive use of Bureau of Reclamation lands, now with having said that, how can I help you?" For your information, this is the attitude on the panel representing our region.
As you know, Laura Woodward and others, all members of Nelson Reservoir Recreation Association have been in constant contact with our Congressional Offices for the State of Montana. We have infact had representatives here in Malta twice. Folks, this is huge! For those of you that have written your letter to the Bureau of Reclmation opposing this ruling, Hats off to you! The comment period expires on October 16, 2007, after which time, uncontested, these changes will become law. Please join efforts to help make Nelson Reservoir an exception.
Attached you will find a letter sent to US Senator Max Baucus, US Senator Jon Tester and US Representative Dennis Rehberg. Their Field Staff has urged us to get notice into their offices so that they will have time to acquire the information needed to also state their Comments prior to the end of the Comment Period and Legislation of the same. Every Comment Counts!
Also attached is a request for "Support Letters Needed" identifying specific language that was presented to the Malta Merchants today in hopes of acquiring additional comment letters. This document also includes the mailing addresses for your letters.
All letters received by the Association will be mailed registered mail to the Bureau of Reclamation and our Congressional Offices on Monday, September 24th. If you want your letter included please mail or fax it with your signature to Nelson Reservoir Recreation Association, P.O. Box 1609, Malta, MT 59538 or fax (406) 654-2891 before 3:00 PM, MST Monday the 24th. You are also welcome to send your own letters individually. Our packages will be mailed registered mail to ensure that each party has received our comments.
Barbara Anderson
Secretary-Treasurer
NELSON RESERVOIR
RECREATION ASSOCIATION
Items to Address for Comment Letter
Federal Register Proposal
Code21
Mailing Addresses
MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS 2007 SPRING FISHING
REGULATIONS
With the general stream-fishing season open, anglers are planning a
summer's worth of fishing trips. Those plans should include a review of
the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 2007 fishing regulations for regulation
changes.
"New or changed regulations are displayed in bold italics to make it
easier to identify them," said FWP Fisheries Operations Bureau Chief Karen
Zackheim.
One new statewide regulation passed by the 2007 Montana Legislature,
effective immediately statewide, is not in the regulations book. It allows
a licensed angler to fish from a boat, on the shore, in a lake or
reservoir, with two rods that must be within immediate control.
Other new regulations include the following:
In the Western Fishing District—
§ On Flathead Lake the new daily limit for lake trout is 50 in possession,
only one over 36 inches. All fish 30 to 36 inches must be released.
§ On Horseshoe Lake in the Thompson Chain of Lakes the limit for tiger
muskellunge is one daily and in possession, and it must be over 40 inches.
§ Silver's Lagoon in FWP Region 2 is open to fishing for anglers 14 years
of age and younger from April 1-Oct. 30 and the limit is three fish daily
and in possession.
§ Kids Pond at the Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area headquarters is
open the entire year to fishing by anglers 14 years of age and younger.
In the Central Fishing District—
§ Trail Creek in the Yellowstone River drainage is closed to fishing
upstream from its confluence with Cabin Creek to the headwaters in order
to protect Yellowstone cutthroat trout during and immedately after habitat
restoration work planned there.
In the Eastern Fishing District—
§ Snagging nongame fish is allowed on all open waters in the Eastern
Fishing District with some exceptions:
o the Missouri River downstream from Fort Benton to the North Dakota
border, and
o the Yellowstone River downstream from the mouth of the Bighorn River,
where only paddlefish may be snagged by anglers with a valid paddlefish
tag.
§ Changes to the paddlefish regulations include setting a limit of one
paddlefish per season per angler, specific tags required to fish specific
waters, and designated catch and release and harvest days, among other
changes.
§ On Spotted Eagle Pond the new limit is five fish daily and in
possession, any combination of species.
Montana’s fishing regulations are available at all FWP offices and from
license providers throughout the state and on the FWP web site at
fwp.mt.gov under Fishing.
Where standard regulations apply, the general fishing season will close
Nov. 30. For help planning your first trip of the year, visit FWP's online
Fishing Guide
at fwp.mt.gov under Fishing.
HELP PREVENT ILLEGAL INTRODUCTIONS
By Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Statewide Information
Officer
At least 20 percent of illegal fish introductions documented by FWP have
occurred in the past 10 years. In total there have been more than 500
unauthorized fish introductions in 284 waters across the state, involving
49 species of fish.
Illegally introduced aquatic species can harm native, wild and stocked
fish populations; spread disease; impact water quality and aquatic
habitat; increase fishery management costs by requiring additional fish
plants or chemical rehabilitation; and diminish fishing opportunities in
the state.
For example, an illegal introduction of northern pike in the Clearwater
River drainage in the Seeley-Swan valley in the late 1980's or early
1990's exploded by the mid-1990's into a dominant population of fish,
severely reducing other desirable fish populations including kokanee
salmon, westslope cutthroat trout, brown and bull trout, largemouth bass
and yellowperch.
Lakes impacted by this illegal introduction—Inez, Seeley and Salmon
lakes—make up 52 percent of the lake surface area in the Clearwater
drainage. Remedial steps include angler's take of pike and supplementing
kokanee and westslope cutthroat trout populations in the lakes, combined
with monitoring by gill netting and angler contacts. The time and expense
associated with these strategies could have been avoided, at great savings
to Montana's anglers.
You can help prevent illegal introductions of fish and the accidental
spread of nuisance species by getting into the habit of taking these
common sense precautions:
§ don't move live fish, aquatic insects, or other aquatic organisms from
one water to another for any reason;
§ don't release aquarium fish into streams and lakes;
§ don't release live baitfish into streams and lakes;
§ always clean, wash and dry boats and fishing equipment in between trips
to prevent the unintentional introduction of nuisance species;
§ report the actions of those who recklessly or intentionally threaten the
health of Montana's natural resources.
When FWP identifies an illegal introduction it conducts an investigation,
may prosecute the violator, and will require restitution for the costs of
removing the introduced species and re-establishing the original fishery.
If you witness such a crime, report it by calling TIP-MONT at
1-800-TIP-MONT, or 1-800-847-6668.
SEE MONTANA'S BEARS ON FWP'S "BE BEAR AWARE" WEB PAGES
As Montanan's prepare for a summer in the great outdoors, they can learn
about Montana's black and grizzly bears by visiting the Montana Fish,
Wildlife & Parks' Be Bear Aware web pages.
"New on FWP's Bear Aware web pages are photos and streaming video of bears
in action," said Ron Aasheim, FWP Communications and Education division
administrator.
Aasheim said the images are fun to browse, and a good way to learn about
bear behavior, body language and movement. That knowledge can come in
handy when you encounter your first bear in the woods.
"Seeing bears in action on video makes it easier to judge how serious an
encounter might be, how fast the bear might move and when it is time to
pull out the bear pepper spray," Aasheim said. He said that FWP strongly
recommends that people carry bear pepper spray when recreating in bear
country.
The web pages are also helpful to those who live in bear country.
"You’ll learn responsible ways to feed your pets, manage your garbage,
landscape the yard and carry out a host of other activities without
attracting bears," Aasheim said. "All of the information is geared to
preventing conflicts between bears and people."
An interactive game of "find the bear attractant" is geared for youngsters
and is a good review for adults too. Homeowners can access a
self-assessment form that will help them identify bear attractants.
Contact information for FWP’s bear management specialists is also
available so homeowners can call for help with their particular situation.
"A visit to the Be Bear Aware web pages are a good way to learn how to
live and recreate in bear country while keeping your family—and Montana’s
bears safe," Aasheim said.
To visit FWP’s Be Bear Aware web pages, go to FWP’s home page at
fwp.mt.gov and look under Conservation.
FWP REMINDER ABOUT COMMERCIAL USE PERMITS
FWP reminds those planning commercial activities on sites managed by
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks that commercial-use permits are now
required.
Examples of commercial uses include guided angling and whitewater rafting,
guided walks and tours, guided trail rides and commercial filming. Permits
for these and other commercial activities help manage commercial uses on
FWP-managed lands.
Water-based outfitting and guiding at most FWP Fishing Access Sites
require a $100 annual permit, which are available online at fwp.mt.gov
under Online Applications, and from most FWP offices. Applicants must
provide an ALS number, which are available from any FWP office, and an
outfitter or guide license number if they are certified by the Montana
Board of Outfitters.
A special restricted-use permit is also required for commercial use on the
Beaverhead, Big Hole, Blackfoot, and Smith rivers, the Alberton Gorge of
the Clark Fork River, and at Montana State Parks and Wildlife Management
Areas. Contact the nearest FWP office for details on special
restricted-use permits.
For more information on FWP's commercial-use rules, contact Charlie Sperry
at: 406-444-3888, or by email: csperry@mt.gov.
PRIVATE LAND/PUBLIC WILDLIFE COUNCIL NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking
nominations for citizens who wish to be considered for appointment to the
Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Council.
The council, appointed by Gov. Schweitzer, is made up of citizens
representing the interests of hunters, anglers, landowners, and
outfitters. Members work to address issues related to hunting and fishing
access and the management of Montana’s public wildlife resources.
PL/PW Council members are appointed for two-year terms and typically
attend two-day meetings four to six times a year. Individuals may nominate
themselves or someone else.
Nominations should include biographical information, a reason for wanting
to serve on the council or rationale for nominating another individual,
and contact information including name, address, and phone number of the
person being nominated.
Nominations will be accepted through June 22. Nominations may be made
electronically at http://governor.mt.gov/boards_councils/default.asp or
nomination letters may be mailed to: Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks,
Attn: PL/PW-Field Services, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, or
emailed to: acharles@mt.gov .
For more information about the council, contact Alan Charles, FWP
Coordinator, Landowner/Sportsman Relations, at 406-444-3798 or visit the
FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov and look on the Hunting Page under Hunter
Access.
SURVEYS OF MONTANA WATER-BASED STATE PARKS ARE UNDERWAY
If you plan to recreate near the water at a Montana State Park this
summer, don’t be surprised if you are asked to complete a visitor
satisfaction survey.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will survey visitors this summer at Montana
State Parks near Kalispell, Whitefish and at Tongue River Reservoir State
Park in southeastern Montana to gather information about how well these
parks are meeting the needs of visitors.
"Our visitors are aging, the RVs and boats they bring to parks are getting
bigger and more comfortable, and public-recreation access is becoming a
bigger issue for Montanans," said Joe Maurier, Parks Division
administrator. "We need to know if the state parks system is responding
adequately to those changes."
Surveys were conducted last year at Salmon Lake and Placid Lake state
parks near Seeley Lake; Black Sandy near Helena, Cooney State Park near
Joliet, and Hell Creek State Park on Fort Peck Lake near Jordan.
Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed said the quality of their
water-based state parks experience had become better or much better in the
past five years.
State park visitors said they would like to see more ammenities, such as
boat ramps and docks, electrical and water hookups, flush toilet and
shower facilities, and paved roads. Many people would also like to see a
reservation system for some but not all campsites, more accessibility for
people with disabilities, more concessions, and more group camping and
picnic sites.
Among the concerns park visitors identified were the number of personal
watercraft, noise and the unsafe operation of watercraft. Dogs off leash
were also found by 21 percent of visitors to be unacceptable.
FWP invested over $2.25 million last year to revitalize State Parks,
including electrical hookups at Hell Creek State Park and new campsites at
Cooney State Park. In northwest Montana, FWP improved campsites at
Wayfarers State Park and upgraded restroom and shower facilities at Logan
State Park. Placid Lake State Park received road and campsite paving.
"We need to ensure that Montana State Parks fit the bill when it comes to
providing enjoyable recreation and vacation opportunities that are close
to home," Maurier said. "All Montana State Parks visitors can help by
offering their feedback this summer when approached to complete the
satisfaction survey."
Questions about the state parks survey may be sent by email to: Mike Lewis
at mlewis@mt.gov .
OUTDOOR SKILLS WORKSHOP OFFERED THIS SUMMER
The 14th annual "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" workshop, sponsored by
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, will be held June 29 – July 1 at the
Lubrecht Experimental Forest near Missoula.
The hands-on workshop will offer opportunities to build a survival
shelter, cast a fly rod, learn rock-climbing techniques, learn to shoot a
rifle and cook up a Dutch-oven treat.
New this year is a partnership with the University of Montana Rural
Institute on Disabilities MonTECH program to supply adaptive equipment at
the workshop. The adaptive devices will enable women with physical
disabilities to participate in the rifle, archery and fishing classes.
The fee is $200 and includes class instruction, meals and lodging. Partial
scholarships are available. Space is limited and classes are filled as
registrations are received.
Teachers who attend the workshop can receive continuing education credit
from the Office of Public Instruction. The workshop is designed for women,
but is open to anyone 18 years of age and over with a desire to learn new
skills.
To receive more information and to register, provide your name and mailing
address to the BOW Coordinator at FWP-BOW, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT
59620-0701; call 406-444-2615; or email Liz Lodman at: llodman@mt.gov .
PARKS EVENTS
Montana State Parks annually offer a rich selection of summer learning
experiences including storytelling, demonstrations, and history.
For a full list of events scheduled at Montana State Parks this summer,
please visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks web site at fwp.mt.gov on
the Parks and Recreation page.
Here are some examples of upcoming events.
Great Falls of the Missouri River Park Ranger Hour
Giant Springs State Park
June 8 at 1 p.m.
A park ranger explains the history of the waterfalls in the Island Park
picnic area. Maps and brochures will be available. For details, call:
406-454-5870.
Geology of Lewis and Clark in Montana
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
June 8 at 8 p.m.
The Montana Committee for the Humanities co-sponsors this illustrated talk
on how the geology of the area surrounding Lewis & Clark Caverns State
Park influenced the progress of the Lewis & Clark expedition. For details,
call: 406-287-3541.
Dissecting Owl Pellets
Giant Springs State Park
June 10 at 2 p.m.
Children will dissect owl pellets learning about the types of animals that
owls prey upon. For details, call: 406-454-5870.
Personalities in the Park
Giant Springs State Park
June 14 at 7 p.m.
"York's True Freedom" will cover the life of Captain Clark's slave, York,
who accompanied the Lewis & Clark Expedition. For details, call:
406-454-5870.
Clothing as Art: A Crow Tradition
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
June 15 at 8 p.m.
Mardell Plainfeather, a Montana Committee for the Humanities presenter and
clothing artist, will interpret five different styles of Crow women's
clothing including moccasins, leggings, jewelry, children's clothing and
beadwork. For details, call: 406-287-3541.
Tracking David Thompson Across The Rocky Mountains
Missouri Headwaters State Park
June 16 at 7 p.m.
Jack Nisbet, author of Sources of the River: Tracking David Thompson
Across Western North America, interweaves his own sharp observations with
Thompson's historical writings to present the essence of this remarkable
man. For details, call: 406-994-6974.
Wet Wonders Children's Program
Missouri Headwaters State Park
June 22 at 11 a.m.
Explore aquatic insects and other creatures living in the shallows along
the Gallatin River as part of this summer's Friday morning Young Explorers
series for children 5-10 and their caregivers. For details, call:
406-285-3610.
May 18th Outdoors Extra News Feature to follow
MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—MAY 18, 2007
Contact: Diane Tipton, 406-444-3079, or visit the FWP web site at
fwp.mt.gov
FWP HONORED FOR FOREST CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS
SUPERTAG REMINDER
TENTATIVE NEW SUPERTAG RULE PROPOSED
OUTDOOR SKILLS WORKSHOP OFFERED THIS SUMMER
PRIVATE LAND/PUBLIC WILDLIFE COUNCIL MEETS JUNE 5-6 IN HELENA AT COLONIAL
INN
PLEASE REPORT YOUR WOLF SIGHTINGS
MAKE CATCH-AND-RELEASE A REALITY
NEW ANTLERLESS ELK LICENSE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR
MONTANA BACK-COUNTRY HORSEMEN FIGHT WEEDS
GRANT MONEY IS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL MOTOR BOAT PROJECTS
FWP SEEKS TO IMPROVE FISHING REGULATIONS
FWP HONORED FOR FOREST CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and representatives from Utah and Idaho,
recently received the Regional Forester's Honor Award in Partnership from
the U.S. Forest Service.
USFS Regional Forester Tom Tidwell presented the award to FWP's Habitat
Bureau Chief Steve Knapp for success with the Forest Legacy program during
a ceremony recently in Missoula. The federal Forest Legacy Program is a
voluntary program that supports state efforts to protect nationally
significant privately owned forest lands via conservation easements.
Since 2003, Montana, Idaho and Utah combined to conserve more than 250,000
acres through the FLP, with more than 150,000 acres conserved in Montana.
About 25 percent of the national FLP accomplishments occurred in Montana,
Utah, and Idaho, where more forested acres are conserved than in any of
the other 26 states involved in the program.
Montana and Idaho require public access as part of all conservation
easements acquired under the FLP, Knapp said.
-fwp-
SUPERTAG REMINDER
Your dream hunt is possible—a $5 SuperTag chance may put it within your
reach.
Purchasing a SuperTag chance enters you into the Montana Fish, Wildlife &
Parks' SuperTag drawing to hunt a moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk
or deer in any hunting district in Montana, including Montana’s legendary
trophy districts. Later in 2007, three new hunts may be added—for mountain
lion, antelope and bison.
July 5 is the deadline for entering the moose, sheep and goat SuperTag
drawing. Chances for the deer and elk SuperTags must be purchased by Aug.
2.
The SuperTag debuted last year and raised $325,000 to enhance hunting
access and boost FWP enforcement efforts.
Hunters must have a 2007 conservation license to purchase a SuperTag at
FWP offices or FWP license providers, or online at fwp.mt.gov using FWP’s
online licensing service.
-fwp-
TENTATIVE NEW SUPERTAG RULE PROPOSED
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on
tentative revisions to the rules for the annual SuperTag license lottery.
The proposed revisions would add one wild buffalo, one antelope and one
mountain lion hunting license to the SuperTag license lottery.
The SuperTag license lottery, which debuted in 2006 with an unlimited
number of $5 chances available on a moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat,
elk or deer hunt in any hunting district in Montana, raised $325,000 to
enhance hunting access and boost FWP enforcement efforts.
The FWP Commission will decide on the proposed revisions to the SuperTag
rule at its June 14 meeting. The rule is available for review on the FWP
web site at fwp.mt.gov under Public Notices.
Comments must be made by June 8, and may be sent by mail to: FWP, Attn:
Hank Worsech, License Bureau Chief, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT
59620-0701; or by email to: hworsech@mt.gov.
Hunters with a 2007 conservation license may purchase a SuperTag chance at
FWP offices, FWP license providers, or online at fwp.mt.gov using FWP's
online licensing service.
-fwp-
OUTDOOR SKILLS WORKSHOP OFFERED THIS SUMMER
The 14th annual "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" workshop, sponsored by
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, will be held June 29 – July 1 at the
Lubrecht Experimental Forest near Missoula.
The hands-on workshop will offer opportunities to build a survival
shelter, cast a fly rod, learn rock-climbing techniques, learn to shoot a
rifle and cook up a Dutch-oven treat.
New this year is a partnership with the University of Montana Rural
Institute on Disabilities MonTECH program to supply adaptive equipment at
the workshop. The adaptive devices will enable women with physical
disabilities to participate in the rifle, archery and fishing classes.
The fee is $200 and includes class instruction, meals and lodging. Partial
scholarships are available. Space is limited and classes are filled as
registrations are received.
Teachers who attend the workshop can receive continuing education credit
from the Office of Public Instruction. The workshop is designed for women,
but is open to anyone 18 years of age and over with a desire to learn new
skills.
To receive more information and to register, provide your name and mailing
address to the BOW Coordinator at FWP-BOW, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT
59620; call 406-444-2615; or email Liz Lodman at: llodman@mt.gov .
-fwp-
PRIVATE LAND/PUBLIC WILDLIFE COUNCIL MEETS JUNE 5-6 IN HELENA AT COLONIAL
INN
The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council will meet June 5-6 in Helena at
the Red Lion Colonial Hotel, at 2301 Colonial Drive, to discuss hunting
and fishing access issues.
The council will meet from 1– 5 p.m. on June 5, and on June 6 from 8 a.m.
– 2:30 p.m. During the meeting, council members will review 2007
legislative activity related to hunting and fishing access, and discuss
issues regarding changes in land ownership and land management,
outfitting, wildlife management, and Montana’s hunting and angling
traditions.
The 13-member council, made up of landowners, outfitters, hunters,
anglers, legislators, and an FWP Commissioner, is charged with reviewing
FWP hunting and fishing access programs, offering recommendations to help
achieve program goals, and addressing issues related to private land and
public wildlife.
Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting and observe
council proceedings. A public comment period is scheduled June 5 at 4:30
p.m.
For more information about the PL/PW Council, contact Alan Charles, FWP
Coordinator of Landowner/Sportsman Relations by phone: (406) 444-3798, or
by email: acharles@mt.gov . Or, visit the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov on the
Hunting page under hunter access.
-fwp-
PLEASE REPORT YOUR WOLF SIGHTINGS
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks requests that those recreating in the
outdoors report any sightings or signs of wolves.
A gray wolf is, on average, 2.5 feet tall, 5-6 feet long, and 70-120
pounds with a broad snout, round ears and fur ranging from gray, black or
white.
To report wolves or wolf sign, contact the nearest FWP office, or go to
FWP’s Wolf Observation Report web page. To report a dead wolf, or possible
illegal activity, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at
307-261-6365, or call 1-800-TIP-MONT.
FWP prepares annual reports documenting the status and distribution of the
Montana wolf population and makes population and other management
decisions to help the state meet the challenge of living with wolves.
Additional information on the numbers and locations of wolves will help
FWP manage their presence on the landscape and document their numbers.
Wolves in northern Montana are currently classified as "endangered" and
wolves in southern Montana are managed as "experimental, non-essential"
populations.
For more information, visit FWP’s Wolf Conservation & Management web page
at fwp.mt.gov under Wildthings.
-fwp-
MAKE CATCH-AND-RELEASE A REALITY
Catch-and-release has been popular with conservation-minded anglers for
decades. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks first used it as a fisheries
management tool on the Madison River in 1978.
Almost 30 years later, regulations on many waters in the Western and
Central fishing districts call for catch and release to protect fish
populations from becoming depleted due to heavy fishing pressure, diseases
such as whirling disease, predators including other fish, and to help
increase the number of bigger fish.
Montana’s fisheries managers say some fish are lost during catch and
release fishing due to the way the angler handles the fish and for how
long, the type of fishing gear used, whether the fish is removed from the
water or not, and the water temperature.
While most experts say the benefits outweigh the fact some fish don’t
survive, here are some ways to increase a fish's chance of surviving.
Play the fish as rapidly as possible. Have pliers, cameras, hook removal
tools, and other gear ready to go.
Retrieve the fish as soon as possible.
Keep the fish in water as much as possible; try to remove the hook without
handling the fish.
Remove the hook gently. Never squeeze the fish or put your fingers in its
gills. There are hook removal devices available from most sporting/fishing
stores, and the use of barbless hooks may make releasing fish easier.
If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line about one inch above the hook.
Do not yank the hook out. Most fish survive with hooks left in them.
Release the fish only after it has gained its equilibrium. If necessary,
gently hold the fish upright in the current facing upstream and move it
slowly back and forth.
Release the fish in quiet water as near as possible to the area where it
was hooked.
-fwp-
NEW ANTLERLESS ELK LICENSE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR
Montana hunters aiming for a full freezer this fall will be able to buy a
license in some areas to hunt antlerless elk and forego the purchase of a
general elk license.
In addition, resident hunters seeking A-9 antlerless elk licenses through
Montana's annual special drawings, and nonresidents similarly seeking B-12
antlerless elk licenses, no longer need to first purchase a general elk
license. A current Montana conservation license is now the only
prerequisite license needed to apply. Hunters applying for special elk
permits and A-7 elk license, however, still must first purchase a general
elk license.
A law recently passed by the Montana Legislature eliminated the
requirement for resident and nonresident hunters to buy a general elk
license prior to purchasing a A-9 and B-12 licenses to hunt antlerless
elk. The intent of the law is to make it a bit easier for hunters to
obtain a license to harvest antlerlesss elk in areas where elk numbers
exceed population goals.
Some antlerless elk licenses will be available only via the special
drawings, which must be applied for by June 1. Others available for use in
specific hunting districts will be sold over-the-counter beginning Aug.
13. For information call Hank Worsech, FWP's chief of licensing, at
406-444-2663.
-fwp-
MONTANA BACK-COUNTRY HORSEMEN FIGHT WEEDS
The Mile High Back Country Horsemen recently developed a checklist
specifically for horseback riders who enjoy using public trails.
"Some studies suggest that equine use on trails does little to spread
noxious weeds, but let's not become complacent in our efforts to insure
that we are not part of the problem," said Charlie O'Leary, chairman of
the Butte/Silverbow County Commission and a MHBCH member.
Montana's Statewide Noxious Weed Awareness and Education Campaign's slogan
is "Zero Spread," achieved through integrated weed management including
cutting and mowing, hand pulling, herbicides, biological control,
reseeding, grazing, cultivation and burning in some instances.
Here are some of the steps O'Leary recommends that Montana horseback trail
riders take to help Montana meet its goal of zero spread of noxious weeds.
Wash off trucks and trailers with a hose, high-pressure washer, or at the
car wash to eliminate any hitchhiking noxious weed seeds.
Sweep out horse trailers before leaving home, where it is easier to treat
any noxious weed seeds that sprout.
Avoid the habit of kicking manure out of your trailer at the trailhead.
When noxious weeds go to seed on trails you ride be certain to groom
horses, including picking out their feet, before loading them for the next
ride.
Keep tack weed free and examine the cinch and lead rope to be certain they
haven't picked up noxious weed seeds.
Feed weed free certified hay at the trailhead and in the mountains.
Ensure your own pastures are weed free, or as close to it as possible.
Feed weed free hay to stock 48-72 hours before arriving at the trail head.
When on the trail, pull small patches of knapweed that haven't gone to
seed and pack them out for proper disposal. Flag larger weed patches on
public lands, mark them on a map, or get the GPS coordinates so you can
report the area to the land management agency responsible.
Learn to identify noxious weeds and get certified to spray for weeds so
you can purchase and use herbicides that will help keep your pastures
weed-free.
-fwp-
GRANT MONEY IS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL MOTOR BOAT PROJECTS
Cities, towns and counties can now apply to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
for grants of up to $35,000 for improvements at motorboat recreation
facilities. A total of $150,000 in grant money is available.
Funds are available to construct or improve public motorboat facilities
throughout Montana. Typical projects include boat ramps, launching
facilities, on-site latrines, boat trailer parking areas, boating facility
access roads, boat docks, and facility improvements for disabled motor
boat users. The grant may provide up to 80 percent of a local project's
total costs.
To apply, the project sponsor must have the total project costs committed
and be prepared to match the grant with the use of paid and volunteer
hours and cash. Expenses for preliminary work such as environmental
compliance, permitting and engineering can be reimbursed at up to 15
percent of the total project cost.
The application deadline is Nov. 16. Applications require legible maps of
the project location, letters of support from the public and, in cases
where private lands are included in the project, copies of completed,
current legal easements or agreements. Application details are available
on the FWP web site at: http://fwp.mt.gov/parks/grants/default.html , or
by calling: 406-444-3750.
-fwp-
FWP SEEKS TO IMPROVE FISHING REGULATIONS
Better fishing is the aim of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' effort to
encourage anglers to comment early on a list of issues that could result
in changes to the 2008-2011 fishing regulations.
"All anglers are invited to offer their thoughts on improving Montana’s
fishing regulations," said Don Skaar, the new chief of FWP’s fisheries
management bureau.
The early-stage comments will help FWP develop tentative regulations for
the FWP Commission to consider in September and finally adopt in October.
"Anglers will have additional opportunities to participate later this
summer and in the fall," Skaar said. "This opportunity helps to kick
things off and, we hope, gets folks thinking about how to improve the
fishing regs."
Some general statewide issues anglers can consider include:
requiring unattended fishing devices--like setlines and fish traps--to
have owner identification attached.
eliminating the requirement to leave a one-inch square patch of skin on
fillets of all fish except trout and salmon.
reducing the daily mountain whitefish limit, which is currently 100 per
day.
managing baitfish use to prevent the introduction of disease and invasive
species.
Additional issues listed by FWP region, and opportunities to comment, are
available online at fwp.mt.gov. Click Help Improve Regs! A brochure that
outlines Montana's fishing regulation issues is available online under
Help Improve Regs! , at all FWP offices and many license providers, or by
calling 406-444-2449.
Submit comments by June 1. E-mail to fwpfsh@mt.gov; mail to: FWP Fisheries
Division, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT
59620-0701.
May 16th 2007 Spring Fishing Regulations
MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS 2007 SPRING FISHING REGULATIONS
With the opening of the general stream-fishing season on Saturday, May 19, it is time to
organize your tackle box and pick up a copy of the new 2007 fishing regulations.
"New or changed regulations are displayed in bold italics to make it easier to identify
them," said FWP Fisheries Operations Bureau Chief Karen Zackheim.
One new statewide regulation passed by the 2007 Montana Legislature, effective
immediately statewide, is not in the regulations book. It allows a licensed angler
to fish from a boat, on the shore, in a lake or reservoir, with two rods that must
be within immediate control.
Other new regulations include the following:
In the Western Fishing District—
On Flathead Lake the new daily limit for lake trout is 50 in possession,
only one over 36 inches. All fish 30 to 36 inches must be released.
On Horseshoe Lake in the Thompson Chain of Lakes the limit for tiger muskellunge
is one daily and in possession, and it must be over 40 inches.
Silver's Lagoon in FWP Region 2 is open to fishing for anglers 14
years of age and younger from April 1-Oct. 30 and the limit is three fish daily and in possession.
Kids Pond at the Warm Springs Management Area headquarters is open the entire
year to fishing by anglers 14 years of age and younger.
In the Central Fishing District—
Trail Creek in the Yellowstone River drainage is closed to fishing upstream from
its confluence with Cabin Creek to the headwaters in order to protect Yellowstone
cutthroat trout during and immedately after habitat restoration work planned there.
In the Eastern Fishing District—
Snagging nongame fish is allowed on all open waters in the Eastern Fishing District with some exceptions:
the Missouri River downstream from Fort Benton to the North Dakota border, and the
Yellowstone River downstream from the mouth of the Bighorn River, where only paddlefish
may be snagged by anglers with a valid paddlefish tag.
Changes to the paddlefish regulations include setting a limit of one paddlefish
per season per angler, specific tags required to fish specific waters, and designated
catch and release and harvest days, among other changes.
On Spotted Eagle Pond the new limit is five fish daily and in possession, any combination of species.
Montana’s fishing regulations are available at all FWP offices and from license providers
throughout the state and on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov under Fishing.
Where standard regulations apply, the general fishing season will close Nov. 30.
For help planning your first trip of the year, visit FWP's online Fishing Guide
at fwp.mt.gov under Fishing.
A LOOK AT SOME OF MONTANA'S SPORT FISHERIES
By Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Statewide Information Officer
Montana has more than 53,000 miles of streams and rivers that flow year round, 117,000 miles of intermittent streams, and hundreds of thousands of acres of lakes, reservoirs and ponds. These waters are home to more than 90 species of fish, 56 of them native species.
Cold-water rivers and streams offer anglers wild rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and brown trout to name only a few species. Eastern Montana's large prairie rivers offer paddlefish, catfish and sauger. In lakes and ponds throughout the state rainbow trout, yellow perch, bass, walleye, and lake trout flourish.
Maintaining the health and stability of these fisheries requires continuous monitoring by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fisheries biologists. They ensure that Montana's fishing regulations support the biological needs of fish and watch for whirling disease, aquatic nuisance species and other factors that may negatively impact fish and the state's waters.
Who best then to give an update on some of the state's most favored waters?
Here are some interesting facts about Montana fisheries recently reported by FWP biologists. Please keep in mind that there are many factors that affect angling success beyond population numbers and fish distribution. Others include season, weather, insect hatches, time-of-day and water levels.
Flathead Lake—At 125,000 acres, Flathead Lake is the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi. It is also among the top fishing waters in the state for lake trout, lake whitefish and yellow perch. The state record 42.7-pound lake trout was caught here in 2004 and 10- to 20- pound fish are a real possibility. More than 40,000 lake trout are harvested each year.
Rock Creek and the Blackfoot River near Missoula—Fishing remains good, with brown trout and westslope cutthroat trout numbers increasing. Whirling disease is present in these rivers and rainbow trout numbers are near historic lows. FWP biologists are closely monitoring the effects of the disease on these fisheries.
Upper Yellowstone River near Livingston—Rainbow trout are productive and numbers are above long-term averages. Brown trout are just below the long-term average and Yellowstone cutthroat trout continue to be above the long-term average.
Shields River near Livingston—Fish are doing well despite the continued drought. Brown trout populations recently surveyed appear to be stable and productivity remains good. Overall, angling conditions are good.
Missouri River—On the Missouri River between Holter Dam and Great Falls studies show that rainbow and brown trout populations in this premiere fishery remain at near average levels, even in the presence of whirling disease. Recent studies of burbot, also called ling, show that their distribution in the river is similar to rainbow and brown trout. Although there are more burbot near Holter Dam, the numbers decrease progressively downstream.
Middle Missouri River—A sauger spawning effort in 2005 was very successful and almost 437,000 fry and 20,000 fingerlings were stocked in Cochrane, Ryan and Morony reservoirs for rearing and gradual migration downstream. From Coal Banks Landing to Fort Peck Reservoir there are good sauger numbers, while sauger in the Morony Dam and Fort Benton sections of the river are at about 20 percent of downriver populations and 20 percent of peak numbers in 1976-79.
Lower Yellowstone River—The lower Yellowstone provides exceptional angling for a variety of fish species including the large, hard-fighting catfish and the eager goldeye. Catfish are found throughout the lower Yellowstone system, and smallmouth bass are becoming abundant upstream of Miles City. Sauger fishing in the spring and fall is quite good from Cartersville diversion near Forsyth downstream to the confluence with the Missouri River. Paddlefish provide a unique angling opportunity in the spring downstream of Intake Diversion.
Tiber Reservoir—Angler's enjoy good walleye fishing on the Tiber Reservoir east of Shelby, though walleye are smaller than in some other waters. Walleye and northern pike populations are relatively stable and yellow perch numbers appear to be on the decline.
Prairie Ponds—Prairie ponds are staging a comeback on the eastern plains of Montana. These simple systems need two ingredients, water and fish. The springs of 2005 and 2006 brought timely precipitation and allowed the re-charging of many of these small ponds. Stocked ponds have been productive. Precipitation is needed to retain these prairie pond fisheries. Check with local FWP offices for a report on conditions.
Fort Peck Reservoir—Low water has impacted the reservoir, but walleye continue to be stocked and the annual walleye spawn continues to produce an egg-take that allows walleye waters elsewhere in the state to be stocked. Although walleye tend to be the primary target, anglers should not overlook the opportunity to catch northern pike, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, chinook salmon, and lake trout.
Tongue River Reservoir—Fishing for crappie should be improved this year on the reservoir for anglers with light equipment and patience. There are large numbers of bullhead catfish in the one to two pound range that have a hunger for a simple hook and worm. Fillet this catfish for exceptional eating. The northern pike population is staging a come-back, with plenty of pike in the three to seven pound range.
More Montana fish information is available on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov . Check the Fishing Newsletter, the Montana Fishing Guide, or the Montana Animal Field Guide.
WESTSLOPE CUTTHROAT TROUT RESTORATION ON THE UPPER MISSOURI RIVER
By Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Statewide Information Officer
Restoration of westslope cutthroat trout to their traditional habitat in north central Montana is becoming a reality as a result of a partnership between Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and U.S. Forest Service biologists.
The westslope cutthroat trout is one of two subspecies of cutthroat trout found in Montana—the other is the Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The cutthroat trout is the Montana state fish, and a state species of special concern. The cutthroat trout is thought to be a survivor from the last ice age or even earlier.
Today genetically pure westslope cutthroat trout populations occupy only three percent of their historic range in the Upper Missouri River drainage, and only eight percent of their total historic range, including Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Wyoming.
The sub-species suffered a drastic decline in the past century when non-native trout were stocked. These non-native fish colonized much of the state's cold-water fish habitat. Rainbow trout cross-bred with westslope cutthroat trout, creating hybrid trout, while brook trout out-competed the native trout for space and food.
"Genetically pure westslope are an important part of Montanan's heritage and a link with the ancient past. They are also likely to have unique genetic adaptations to local habitat conditions that may help them survive over the long term and that we have yet to fully appreciate," said David Moser, FWP Region 4 fisheries biologist. Hybrid fish have been shown to have reduced survival and growth when compared to those produced by genetically pure parent fish.
When FWP and the USFS considered how to best protect westslope cutthroat trout on the Upper Missouri River, they thought of the South Fork Judith River in the Little Belt Mountains of Lewis and Clark National Forest. It was a prime location, offering about seven small populations of mostly pure westslope cutthroat trout established in headwater tributaries. Just three miles downstream rainbow trout dominate the water—threatening the genetics of the remaining westslope cutthroat trout.
"Without some form of protection or barrier, the native fish would have become increasingly hybridized with the rainbow trout, and the brook trout were likely to displace them," said Moser.
The solution, an environmental barrier, took time to plan, design, obtain funding for and to complete the joint environmental assessment by FWP and USFS biologists.
The Future Fisheries Enhancement Program, administered by FWP, contributed nearly $75,000 to the project. Other supporters included the USFS, Montana Chapter of American Fisheries Society, Montana Trout Foundation, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
In 2006, the long-awaited barrier was constructed on the South Fork Judith River near the river's confluence with Bluff Mountain Creek.
"With the barrier in place, rainbow trout and other non-native fish numbers must be reduced in a 16-mile stretch of protected water using electrofishing equipment," Moser said. With this step completed in summer 2007, a total of about 25 miles of pristine habitat for westslope cutthroat trout will exist.
"Large-scale projects such as this one take time, but they are one of the few ways to ensure the survival of westslope over the long-term by providing adequate habitat," Moser said.
The majority of remaining pure westslope cutthroat trout populations east of the Continental Divide are isolated in the headwaters of major drainages in sections of stream under three miles in length. Their isolation and relative small size puts these populations at potential risk from drought, catastrophic fire, or genetic problems associated with limited breeding stock.
WESTSLOPE CUTTHROAT TROUT RECOVERY NEAR BUTTE
By Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Statewide Information Officer
Angling opportunities in the Upper Clark Fork Basin near Butte are limited. Since the late 1800s mine tailings and other concentrated metals and mine waste made their way into Silver Bow Creek until it could no longer support life, or even stream bank vegetation.
In 1983, the Environmental Protection Agency listed the Silver Bow Creek/Butte area as one of several Superfund sites in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin. Silver Bow Creek runs from Butte north about 23 miles to the Warm Springs Ponds.
Today, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fisheries managers see signs that native fish in tributaries to Silver Bow Creek may recover and someday be sufficient to populate restored portions of the creek.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is managing the restoration work on Silver Bow Creek, while FWP has monitored the affected fish since 2002. The work is expected to be done by 2012.
Clean up began in 1999 on the first mile of the stream's upper stretch. Streamside mine tailings were removed and the stream channel reconstructed. Over the next several years, reconstruction of the stream channel, stream bank re-vegetation and efforts to enhance fish habitat continued downstream, with pools and natural features added to the restoration plan.
FWP fisheries work in the area is focused on key tributaries to Silver Bow Creek, including work with the westslope cutthroat trout population in Norton Creek and the expansion of the westslope cutthroat trout population in Basin Creek.
FWP biologists monitoring during the Silver Bow Creek restoration have recently begun to find fish in areas where they could not survive earlier.
For example, in the fall 2006, a trout was found one mile below German Gulch. It was the first to be observed in this area outside of the spring run-off when dilution helps sensitive species survive in Silver Bow Creek. This fish probably migrated downstream from German Gulch during the spring and was able to survive during summer and fall of that year.
The future for trout in Silver Bow Creek depends on healthy populations of fish migrating downstream from the creek's tributaries. Projects on at least two tributaries of Silver Bow Creek are helping to increase native cutthroat trout populations, making that migration more likely.
On Basin Creek, in 2005 and 2006, more than 200 cutthroat trout were moved from a lower reach of the creek over a natural barrier to a fishless reach upstream. This project will be complete in 2007 with a third fish relocation. A population of about 300 cutthroat trout in this previously fishless reach of Basin Creek should enable this native fish to become well established.
On Norton Creek, cutthroat trout populations were feeling pressure from an expanding population of brook trout. Reducing the number of brook trout resulted in a dramatic increase in cutthroat trout. In 2006, the cutthroat trout population was estimated at more than 2,000.
Restoration of the Upper Clark Fork Basin is part of a long-range, collaborative vision that includes a new Silver Bow Creek, one where water quality is improved and healthy tributaries support annual spawning and continuously supply native trout to the restored creek. Early signs are that this vision is slowly becoming a reality.
STILL MANY MYSTERIES IN THE NATURAL WORLD IN MONTANA
By Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Statewide Information Officer
Many mysteries remain in the natural world. What species of fish inhabit Montana's prairie streams, is one mystery that is partially solved.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is moving into the final year of a comprehensive five-year survey, the first of its kind, of eastern Montana's prairie waters. Biologists and technicians have sampled a majority of prairie streams and documented the native fish and prairie reptile and amphibian species found there. Funding for the stream survey work comes from the federal State Wildlife Grant program. The survey is part of Montana's Comprehensive Fish and Wildlife Management Plan.
"Most of these streams are still dominated by native species, but non-native species have been identified, including some that can grow in number to the point that they outcompete native prairie species for space and food," said Toby Tabor, FWP fisheries technician in Miles City. In 2006, 93 percent of all fish sampled were native species.
Why care about the lives and times of these miniature fish, you might ask? Biologists say that they are valuable components of the prairie ecosystem and an important food source for fish such as sauger, pike and walleye, as well as herons, king fishers and other opportunistic predators. The health of prairie fish species is also a way to assess the aquatic ecosystem's overall health, which is important to all prairie life, including human communities.
FWP fisheries biologists say that the prairie stream survey data could also help show how future land use changes, such as coal bed methane development, affect life in these streams.
"The unique life-cycles, survival abilities and reproductive strategies of some of these minnows are very interesting to observe," Tabor said.
An example is the unique reproductive strategy of the hybrid cross between the northern redbelly and the finescale dace. The northern redbelly dace crossed with the finescale dace hybrid (Phoxinus eos x P. neogaeus) is a Montana species of special concern.
"The interesting thing about dace is their reproduction," Tabor said. "The male sperm of the redbelly dace stimulates egg development in the female hybrid, though the male sperm is not incorporated into these offspring." Tabor said the resulting hybirds are fertile female maternal clones and that entire populations can have the same genes.
FWP's prairie fish survey identified 13 sites in six major drainages in Montana supporting finescale dace hybrids. Other research shows that the hybrid dace are hardier than the redbelly or finescale dace. Until the prairie streams were surveyed, little was known about where this unique species could be found in Montana.
The survivor award goes to the fathead minnow. Thirty-four percent of all fish identified in the prairie stream study were fathead minnows, and they were found in 80 percent of the streams sampled.
Fatheads, also known as blackhead minnows, are one to three inches in length and tolerate a wide range of conditions including high water temperatures, low oxygen levels and high turbidity, and they prefer muddy brooks and creeks, ponds and small lakes.
"Data gathered on the distribution of fatheads and other minnow species in these boom and bust streams helps FWP work with communities to more effectively manage local streams that, while dry in August, may be essential spawning habitat for native prairie fish in spring," said Travis Horton, FWP native species program manager.
The prairie fish survey also noted distribution of reptiles and amphibians in eastern and north central Montana. The northern leopard frog was the most frequently observed amphibian, and the Billings area can boast that it is home to four species of concern, including the spiny softshell turtle, snapping turtle, western hog-nosed snake and northern leopard frog.
For more about prairie fish, go to the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov on the Fishing page for the Montana Fisheries Information System feature. Here you can search by fish species to identify the waters that species inhabits, or search by waters to find the fish that inhabit that water. Also available here is the 2007 FWP Fishing Newsletter for anglers and others interested in Montana's fish.
PROTECT MONTANA'S NATIVES—FISH THAT IS!
By Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Statewide Information Officer
Montana's native fish are one of the state's aquatic "treasures."
Westslope cutthroat trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, the threatened bull trout, Arctic grayling, sauger and several other native fish species are considered "species of special concern" by the state due to population declines, reduced distribution, the shrinking of traditional habitats and other factors.
To help conserve these fish, there are low creel and possession limits on some species on some waters, or catch and release regulations may apply. Anglers may not intentionally fish for bull trout except for certain times of the year in a few waters. Anglers need to read their Montana fishing regulations carefully before setting out.
Cutthroat trout are often mistaken for rainbow trout. Anglers can identify the cutthroat trout by turning the fish over and looking under the jaw. If the trout has a red or orange stripe under the jaw it is a cutthroat trout. Cutthroat trout must be released immediately on many Montana waters, but their healthy populations produce some memorable fishing. There are great catch rates for these beautiful fish to be found on mountain lakes, the forks of the Flathead River and many headwater streams.
Check the fishing district regulations to learn where you can fish for cutthroat trout. The Montana fishing regulations also describe successful catch and release techniques.
It is unlawful to intentionally fish for bull trout in any waters except Swan Lake, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Lake Koocanusa and the South Fork of the Flathead River, all in northwestern Montana. Conscientious conservation has produced sufficiently healthy bull trout populations that make angling for bull trout possible on all of these waters except Swan Lake. A specially regulated season requires a valid bull trout catch card on these waters. For details, contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional offices.
Bull trout are frequently mistaken for brook trout or lake trout. To learn more about identifying bull trout, go to FWP's Angler Education page on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov . The Montana fishing regulations also include full-color photos that help anglers to identify bull trout and other Montana natives.
A bull trout, like a brook trout, has white on the front or leading edge of the lower fins. To identify bull trout, check the dorsal or top fin to be sure it is a clear olive color with no black spots or dark wavy lines. Remember, no black on the upper fin—put it back.
The pallid sturgeon is found east of the Continental Divide and the white sturgeon is found west of the Divide. Both of these rare fish are listed as Montana Fish of Special Concern and are federally listed as endangered. Pallid and white sturgeon may not be harvested. Sturgeon date back almost 300 million years and are related to sharks.
Conservation of Montana's native fish for future generations requires the help of many willing partners and supporters including anglers, landowners, timber companies, private organizations, and state and federal agencies.
HELP PREVENT ILLEGAL INTRODUCTIONS
By Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Statewide Information Officer
At least 20 percent of illegal fish introductions documented by FWP have occurred in the past 10 years. In total there have been more than 500 unauthorized fish introductions in 284 waters across the state, involving 49 species of fish.
Illegally introduced aquatic species can harm native, wild and stocked fish populations; spread disease; impact water quality and aquatic habitat; increase fishery management costs by requiring additional fish plants or chemical rehabilitation; and diminish fishing opportunities in the state.
For example, an illegal introduction of northern pike in the Clearwater River drainage in the Seeley-Swan valley in the late 1980's or early 1990's exploded by the mid- 1990's into a dominant population of fish, severely reducing other desirable fish populations including kokanee salmon, westslope cutthroat trout, brown and bull trout, largemouth bass and yellowperch.
Lakes impacted by this illegal introduction—Inez, Seeley and Salmon lakes—make up 52 percent of the lake surface area in the Clearwater drainage. Remedial steps include angler's take of pike and supplementing kokanee and westslope cutthroat trout populations in the lakes, combined with monitoring by gill netting and angler contacts. The time and expense associated with these strategies could have been avoided, at great savings to Montana's anglers.
You can help prevent illegal introductions of fish and the accidental spread of nuisance species by getting into the habit of taking these common sense precautions:
don't move live fish, aquatic insects, or other aquatic organisms from one water to another for any reason;
don't release aquarium fish into streams and lakes;
don't release live baitfish into streams and lakes;
always clean, wash and dry boats and fishing equipment in between trips to prevent the unintentional introduction of nuisance species;
report the actions of those who recklessly or intentionally threaten the health of Montana's natural resources.
When FWP identifies an illegal introduction it conducts an investigation, may prosecute the violator, and will require restitution for the costs of removing the introduced species and re-establishing the original fishery. If you witness such a crime, report it by calling TIP-MONT at 1-800-TIP-MONT, or 1-800-847-6668.
TIP-MONT IS MONTANA’S YEAR ROUND OUTDOOR CRIME STOPPER PROGRAM
Montana’s popular TIP-MONT Program and hotline at 1-800-847-6668 enlists outdoorsmen and women in reporting outdoor crimes involving the state’s fish, wildlife and State Parks resources and U.S. Forest Service lands and facilities.
Vandalism in particular is a difficult crime to follow-up on without a witness. Tips from TIP-MONT callers with specific information and first-hand observations can help Montana game wardens stop these costly crimes.
Don't forget to call TIP-MONT at 1-800-847-6668, if you observe a crime, including vandalism, in the Montana outdoors.
RIVER ETIQUETTE: WHAT SIZE IS YOUR OUTDOOR FOOTPRINT?
There are footprints and then there are footprints. While most people know their shoe size, many may not think about the footprint they leave in the outdoors, especially when recreating around water.
Our outdoor footprint is measured by the impact of our activities. For example, how much time does it take to launch a drift boat from a boat ramp? How much noise does our particular group of friends generate? Do we recreate with pets? How do these and other factors affect others recreating nearby?
Here are some simple things you can do to reduce the size of your outdoor footprint and make it easier for those recreating around you to have a good time too.
Boaters
Load your gear and rig your boat before entering the boat ramp area.
If a river access parking lot is full or very busy, consider moving on to another location.
When camping at a fishing access site, select a site that won't inconvenience people trying to park or launch boats.
On the water, watch for wade anglers and other craft just as you would for natural obstacles and plan in advance how to avoid them.
While giving an angler a wide berth, try to avoid floating over his or her fishing hole.
If the fishing hole can't be avoided, let the angler know you meant well but couldn't avoid the disturbance.
Travel at a no-wake speed when floaters or wading anglers are in the area.
Respect rancher's needs for fencing, and learn how to use floater gates and portage routes.
Anglers
When angling avoid adding to the congestion around boat launch areas.
Don't encroach on another angler's space. Use the "visual rule of crowding" and attempt to keep out of sight of other anglers when possible.
Try not to monopolize a good fishing spot on the river; fish for a while, then move on.
Wade anglers sometimes need to yield to floaters when there is no other channel for the floaters to navigate.
Whenever possible, and without trespassing, use the shoreline to move from one point to the next. Foot traffic can damage fragile aquatic habitat.
All Users
Keep dogs leashed or under voice command.
Keep group sizes small to lessen your impact on the outdoors and on those sharing the outdoors with you.
Keep noise to a minimum.
Have a clear understanding of Montana's Stream Access Law.
Respect private property and use a map to be certain you understand where public lands are along the river corridor or lake side.
Use public toilets if they are available. If they are not, pack out or bury human waste properly.
Don't litter. If you pack it in, pack it out.
When camping, use established camp sites and practice "Leave No Trace" principles to reduce your impact on the river corridor.
If a fire is built, leave no trace of it. Better yet, consider using a fire pan.
While the actual number of people using the state's waterways may increase, Montanans and their visitor can reduce the feeling of being crowded by managing the size of their footprint in the outdoors.
SHORT VERSION:
RIVER ETIQUETTE IS ALWAYS IN SEASON
While there are some important changes anglers will want to ferret out of the new 2007 Montana fishing regulations book, one thing never changes and that is the need for good fishing etiquette. Here are some etiquette basics.
Be aware that boat access areas can be busy places; you may wish to fish in a location that is less congested.
Do not encroach on another angler's space. Use the "visual rule of crowding" and attempt to keep out of sight of other anglers, if at all possible.
Try not to monopolize a good fishing spot on the river. Fish for a while, and move on.
Boats should always yield to wade anglers, however, there are going to be instances when the wading angler should yield to floaters, because there is no other channel for the floaters to navigate.
When possible, avoid using the streambed as a pathway. This type of foot traffic can cause damage to the fragile aquatic habitat. Anglers should use the shoreline to travel from one point to the other, if doing so doesn't violate trespass and stream access laws.
May 7th News Release: Comments Sought on Fishing Regulations
FWP SEEKS TO IMPROVE FISHING REGULATIONS
Better fishing is the aim of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' effort to encourage anglers
to comment early on a list of issues that could result in changes to the 2008-2011 fishing regulations.
"All anglers are invited to offer their thoughts on improving Montana’s fishing regulations,"
said Don Skaar, the new chief of FWP’s fisheries management bureau.
The early-stage comments will help FWP develop tentative regulations for the FWP Commission
to consider in September and finally adopt in October.
"Anglers will have additional opportunities to participate later this summer and in the
fall," Skaar said. "This opportunity helps to kick things off and, we hope, gets folks
thinking about how to improve the fishing regs."
Some general statewide issues anglers can consider include:
requiring unattended fishing devices--like setlines and fish traps--to have owner identification attached.
eliminating the requirement to leave a one-inch square patch of skin on fillets of all fish except trout and salmon.
reducing the daily mountain whitefish limit, which is currently 100 per day.
managing baitfish use to prevent the introduction of disease and invasive species.
Additional issues listed by FWP region, and opportunities to comment, are available
online at fwp.mt.gov -- under For Anglers, click on Help
Improve Regs . A brochure that outlines Montana's
fishing regulation issues is available online under Help Improve Regs ,
at all FWP offices and many license providers, or by calling 406-444-2449.
Submit comments by June 1 by e-mail to: fwpfsh@mt.gov ; or mail
to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.
|
