Changes In Ruby River Fishing Regulations Proposed

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The Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is now seeking public comments on proposed emergency changes in fishing regulations on the Ruby River in southwestern Montana. The proposed regulation changes, requested by FWP, were adopted by the Commission on July 7 at the same time it approved several land leases and a land purchase to secure about six miles of public fishing access to the waterway’s renowned trout fishery. The changes, which would include a shortened fishing season and reduced creel limits on the river, are being sought to reduce the harvest over a concern about the increased access the new land acquisitions would provide. FWP biologists have witnessed a continuing decrease in trout populations in the river over the last several years. The proposed new regulations would establish a catch limit of three trout per day, only one of which could be over 15 inches in length. Current regulations allow anglers to keep five fish daily, only one of which may be over 18 inches in length. The new regulations also would restrict trout fishing to catch-and-release angling with artificial lures only from December 1 through the third Saturday of the following May. Under current regulations, the river is open to angling year round and the use of artificial lures is not required. Comments on the proposed regulation changes should be sent to Bruce Rich, Fisheries Manager, FWP Region 3, 1400 S. 19th, Bozeman, MT 59715 by August 5. Commissioners are expected to take final action on the emergency closure at their August 8 meeting in Helena. If adopted, the emergency regulations would take effect on August 15.