Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on fishing contests proposed for the winter season of 2011.  Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits.  Most contests require catch-and-release fishing and participants in these contests may not keep any fish.

Applications for contests may be approved, denied, or approved with conditions.  Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts, or require additional access site maintenance when needed.

Information on the proposed derbies can be obtained by contacting FWP at 406-444-2449, or by email: npodolinsky@mt.net .  Please send comments on or before Aug. 31to: FWP-Fisheries Division, Attn: Public Comment on Fishing Derbies, Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, or email them to: npodolinsky@mt.gov .

Proposed 2011 Ice Fishing Derbies

Northwestern Montana, Region 1

Jan. 8, 2011   Sunriser Lions Family Ice Fishing Derby held on Smith Lake

Jan. 22 & 23, 2011   Fisher River Valley Winter Fishing Derby held on Lower, Middle & Upper Thompson Lakes, Crystal Lake & Loon Lake

Feb. 1-26, 2011   8th Annual Perch Pounder held on all of FWP Region 1 waters

Feb. 12, 2011   11th Annual Lake Mary Ronan Perch/Salmon Derby held on Lake Mary Ronan

Feb. 12-13, 2011   The McGregor Lake Fishing Derby held on McGregor Lake

Feb. 19, 2011   Ryan Wagner Memorial Scholarship Ice Fishing Derby held on Murphy Lake

Feb. 26, 2011   Lion Lake Canyon Kids Christmas Fund Fishing Derby held on Lion Lake

Feb. 26 & 27, 2011   The Perch Assault “Ultimate Assault” at Lake Mary Ronan held on Lake Mary Ronan

Mar. 5 & 6, 2011   2nd Annual Bitterroot Bash held on Bitterroot Lake

Southwestern Montana, Region 2

Jan. 22 & 23, 2011   Pike on Ice held on Seeley and Salmon Lakes

Jan. 29, 2011   2nd Annual Jiggin at Georgetown held on Georgetown Lake                               

South Central Montana, Region 3

Jan. 29, 2011   Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby held on Clark Canyon Reservoir                               

North Central Montana, Region 4

Jan. 15 & 16, 2011   6th Annual Central Montana Perch Derby held on East Fork Reservoir

Jan. 22 & 23, 2011   Broadwater Lions Perch Derby held on Canyon Ferry Reservoir

Jan. 29, 2011   Western Bar Ice Fishing Derby held on Willow Creek Reservoir

Jan. 30, 2011   Utica Rod and Gun Club and Oxen Yoke Inn Fishing Derby held on Ackley Lake

Feb. 12, 2011   Valier Volunteer Fire Department Fishing Derby held on Lake Frances

Feb. 13, 2011   V.F.W. Ice Fishing Derby held on Newlan Reservoir                                

Northeastern Montana, Region 6

Jan. 8, 2011   4th Annual Clinton Phipps Memorial Ice Fishing Derby held on Fort Peck Reservoir

Jan. 29, 2011   Murphy's 5th Annual Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament held on Nelson Reservoir

Jan. 29 & 30, 2011   7th Annual Big Money Ice Fishing Derby held on Lower Beaver Creek Reservoir

Jan. 30, 2011   Hell Creek Ice Fishing Tournament held on Fort Peck Reservoir

Feb. 19, 2011   15th Annual Ice Fishing Contest held on Fort Peck Reservoir