Fish Weir to Operate on Madison River

The Madison River fish weir will again be operational this summer and fall north of West Yellowstone between Baker’s Hole Campground and the U.S. 191 Bridge. FWP personnel will install the weir during the week of Aug. 18.  

The weir is being used to trap and collect data from wild trout during their fall spawning migration. Each trapped fish is measured, weighed, examined for signs of disease, and released. Rainbow and brown trout are also tagged with a uniquely numbered tag.  

 

The fish trap is checked daily to minimize delaying fish on their upstream migration to spawning grounds and downstream post-spawning migration to Hebgen Reservoir. However, anglers are asked to refrain from targeting fish that may be concentrated immediately upstream and downstream of the weir.

 

Boaters should use caution and portage vessels river-right around the weir.

 

Anglers who catch tagged rainbow and brown trout should report the tag color, number, date caught, and location of catch to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at 406-682-7807.

 

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks operates the weir in cooperation with the Gallatin National Forest, and with funding from PPL Montana.

 

For more information, contact Fish Wildlife & Parks at 406-682-7807.