FWP Commission Suggests Additional Fishing Regulation Changes

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The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently adopted final fishing regulations for the 2005 fishing season, but is still seeking public comment on proposed changes that could affect two reservoirs.

Most of the changes adopted at the Commission’s Oct. 7 meeting in Helena were distributed to the public for review and comment in September. The two additional changes would affect anglers at the following locations:

* Lake Koocanusa – Anglers could use two lines while fishing rather than just a single line as currently required. FWP would consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about concerns for a potential increase in incidental take of endangered bull trout.

* Clark Canyon Reservoir – Emergency regulations placed on Clark Canyon Reservoir the past several years would become standard until water level increases to levels necessary to sustain the fishery. T o protect wild trout and native burbot, FWP would reduce the daily limit for trout and for burbot from five fish to two fish. Because low -water conditions are expected to for several more years, officials reason that it would be easier for anglers to make the regulation standard.

The commission is also seeking comment on an existing regulation regarding sauger and walleye on Fort Peck Reservoir.   Current regulations require that all sauger and walleye must be kept whole, gills and entrails may be removed, until the angler is off the water and done fishing for the day, then the fish can be filleted.

Comments may be submitted to Karen Zackheim by email: kzackheim@state.mt.us; or by mail addressed to: FWP Fisheries Division, Karen Zackheim, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. The comment deadline is Oct. 29.   All comments received will be shared with the FWP Commission at its Nov. 4 meeting in Helena.