Irrigators Asked To Help Save Fish In Montana's Streams

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Thousands of fish that have migrated from low-water streams into irrigation ditches can be saved this year by farmers who gradually reduce their water diversion at the end of each of their irrigation periods, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said today. "The only steady stream of water in some areas is going to be in irrigation ditches and the trout will seek refuge there," said FWP Water Resources Program Manager Kathleen Williams. "If the diversion is abruptly shut down at the end of irrigation, those trout will be trapped in the dry ditches." Williams said irrigators can save fish with a three-day water-reduction plan. Three days before irrigators plan to close off their diversions they should cut the water flow in half. Then, within the next 24 to 48 hours, cut the flows in half again. The following day the diversion can be completely shutdown. The gradual water reduction triggers an upstream movement that eventually causes trout to move out of the ditch and back to the main stream or river channel. Concern for the state’s fish populations is heightened by the extremely dry conditions this spring and drought predictions for this summer. "Because we manage our rivers for wild, naturally reproducing fish, it is important to maintain the genetic integrity of the fish in the streams," said Williams. Williams said the incremental shut down of irrigation flows can benefit the fish in the ditches anytime water is going to be cut off. "When an irrigator shuts down water in two increments before the first cutting of hay, or for ditch treatment, it will afford the fish the time to swim back upstream and out of the ditch." For more information-or to obtain the brochure "Methods to Reduce Trout Losses in Irrigation Diversions"--irrigators can contact their nearest FWP region office or local conservation district office.