Voluntary Fishing Restriction Lifted On Blackfoot River, Tribs And Rattlesnake Creek

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Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is lifting the voluntary fishing restrictions for the Blackfoot River, its tributaries and Rattlesnake Creek, effective September 9, 2003. Longer, cooler nights have resulted in water temperatures dropping below critical levels.   High water temperatures put stress on wild trout and other fish and under the agencies Drought Fishing Closure Policy, the streams have been under a voluntary fishing restriction since July 30.   Because water temperatures have improved, the request is no longer necessary.

For the Blackfoot River, FWP consulted with the Drought Committee of the Blackfoot Challenge, before lifting the voluntary angling restrictions on the Blackfoot River and tributaries.  These restrictions were enacted during a period of extremely high water temperatures and declining flows.  In addition to the restriction on anglers, 80 irrigators participated in the Emergency Drought Plan by helping maintain flows.  FWP and the Drought Committee would like to thank anglers and all participants of the Drought Plan for their help in protecting Blackfoot River fisheries. 

  FWP would also like to remind anglers that flows are still low and to fish responsibly under the current conditions.  Fish may be congregated in limited habitat or still be exposed to high but not critical water temperatures.