Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on fishing contests proposed for the open water season of 2013. 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 contests is on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov; or call 406-444-2449. Comment must be received by Jan. 21, 2013. Comments may be sent to FWP Fisheries Bureau, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT, 59620 or emailed to jlwindon@mt.gov. Here is a list of the proposed summer fishing contests for 2013:

Proposed 2013 Open Water Derbies.
Region 1:

• March 8, 2013 thru May 19, 2013 - Spring Mack Days - Flathead Lake
• May 4-5, 2013 - ABA West - Noxon Rapids Reservoir
• May 4-5, 2013 - Mike Sloan Memorial Tournament - Noxon Rapids Reservoir
• May 4, 2013 - Northwest Montana Kayak Fishing Series #1 - Whitefish Lake
• May 18, 2013 - Koocanusa Resort &Marina 11th Annual Trout and Salmon Derby - Lake Koocanusa
• May 18-19, 2013 - TBF Invitational - Noxon Rapids Reservoir
• June 1, 2013 - Northwest Montana Kayak Fishing Series #2 - Flathead Lake
• June 8-9, 2013 - ABA West - Noxon Rapids Reservoir
• June 15-16, 2013 - Fathers Day Family Fishing Festival - Thompson Chain of Lakes
• July 6-7, 2013 - Tobacco Valley Rod & Gun Club Rainbow & Salmon Derby - Lake Koocanusa; Bridge to Border
• July 27-28, 2013 - ABA West - Noxon Rapids Reservoir
• July 27-28, 2013 - Tri-State Bass Tournament - Noxon Rapids Reservoir
• August 17-18, 2013 - Montana B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Qualifier - Noxon Rapids Reservoir
• August 24-25, 2013 - Great Montana Mac Attack/Whitefish Jigfest - Flathead Lake
• September 7, 2013 - Northwest Montana Kayak Fishing Series #3 - Thompson Lake, Middle
• September 20, 2013 thru November 17, 2013 - Fall Mack Days - Flathead Lake
• October 5, 2013 - Northwest Montana Kayak Fishing Series #4 - Foy's Lake Park

Region 2:

•  June 8-9, 2013 - Mister Pike Classic - Seeley Lake and Salmon Lake

Region 3:

•  June 15, 2013 - Livingston Firefighters Annual Kids Fishing Derby - Sacajawea Park Lagoon

Region 4:

•  May 17-19, 2013 - Fort Benton Spring Classic Fishing Derby - Missouri River
• June 8, 2013 - Canyon Ferry Carp Safari - Canyon Ferry Reservoir
• June 16, 2013 - Father's Day Fish Derby - Newlan Creek Reservoir
• June 22-23, 2013 - Canyon Ferry Walleye Festival - Canyon Ferry Reservoir
• July 13, 2013 - Broadwater Rod and Gun Walleye Derby - Canyon Ferry Reservoir
• July 27-28, 2013 - Tiber Walleye Tournament - Tiber Reservoir
• August 3, 2013 - Camp-Mak-A-Dream Walleye Benefit - Canyon Ferry Reservoir
• August 10, 2013 - John Arnold Fish Derby - Hauser Reservoir
• August 11, 2013 - MRF Carp Rodeo (formerly Sinking Tip Scramble) - Missouri River

Region 5:

• April 27-28, 2013 - ABA Yellowtail: Ok-A-Beh Invitational - Yellowtail Reservoir
• May 12, 2013 - 6th Annual Yellowstone Challenge - Yellowstone River
• June 28, 2013 - Bighorn River Alliance Carp Festival - Yellowtail Lake

Region 6:

• April 20, 2013 - Jordan Tough Guy Tournament - Fort Peck Reservoir
• June 1, 2013 - 14th Annual Milk River Catfish Classic - Milk River
• June 1-2, 2013 - Montana B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Qualifier - Fort Peck Reservoir
• June 1-2, 2013 - Rock Creek Walleye Tournament - Fort Peck Reservoir
• June 8-9, 2013 - ABA Hell Creek Tournament - Fort Peck Reservoir
• June 8-9, 2013 - Fresno Challenge - Fresno Reservoir
• July 27, 2013 - Hell Creek Ladies Fishing Tournament - Fort Peck Reservoir
• June 22-24, 2013 - 13th Annual Pikemasters Public Tournament - Fort Peck Reservoir
• July 11-13, 2013 - 26th Annual Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament - Fort Peck Reservoir
• July 27-28, 2013 - ABA Yellowtail: Barry's Landing Invitational - Yellowtail Reservoir
• August 3, 2013 - Women's Walleye Tournament - Fort Peck Reservoir
• August 10-11, 2013 - Fall Classic Walleye Tournament - Fort Peck Reservoir
• August 17, 2013 - Fishin' For the Cure - Fort Peck Reservoir
• September 21-22, 2013 - ABA Fort Peck: Hell Creek Invitational - Fort Peck Lake & Reservoir
• September 28-29, 2013 - TBF Invitational - Fort Peck Reservoir

Region 7:

• April 27, 2013 - Tongue River Marina Derby - Tongue River
• June 8, 2013 - Savage Volunteer Fire Dept Catfish Tournament - Yellowstone River
• July 13, 2013 - Northeast Montana Monster Catfish Round-up - Yellowstone River