New Fishing Regulations For 2004

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With the opening of the general stream-fishing season on Saturday, May 15, it is time to make sure you have a copy of the new 2004 Fishing Regulations in your tackle box.

"A quick review of the first 14 pages of the regulations provides an important refresher for every angler," says FWP Fisheries Management Bureau Chief Karen Zackheim. “The angler’s next stop will be the color-coded sections with specific information on each of Montana’s three fishing districts.”

This year, anglers will find that the statewide standard regulations apply in more locations, with fewer exceptions in each fishing district. And, the standard regulations and the exceptions in a fishing district are now conveniently listed together.

Here are some 2004 highlights:

* A new experimental bull trout fishing opportunity is now available in the Western Fishing District on three waters—Hungry Horse Reservoir, the South Fork of the Flathead River and Koocanusa Reservoir.   Season dates vary depending on the water. Bull trout remain listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, so all other waters, except Swan Lake, remain closed to intentional fishing for bull trout.

* The special experimental season requires bull trout permits and catch cards that must be ordered in advance from the FWP Region 1 office. Details are in the 2004 fishing regulations.

* Fishing for brook trout in Georgetown Lake near Anaconda is now catch-and-release only because the population has declined in recent years.

* Brown trout fishing in the Central District on Hauser and Holter Lakes, Lake Helena and the Madison River remains catch-and-release only—but anglers 14 years and younger may now take one brown trout daily and in possession and of any size.  

* In the Eastern District, the special regulations or “exceptions” on many waters are now standard regulations. Also there are now two ponds set aside for kids 14 years of age and younger: Home Run Pond in Glasgow and Fort Peck Kids Pond near the Fort Peck Downstream Campground.

For details on these and other 2004 regulation changes, see the 2004 fishing regulations available at FWP regional offices, from FWP license providers or on line at www.fwp.state.mt.us on the Fishing page.