Seeking public input on preliminary proposals for the 2027–2028 fishing regulations and ideas for additional regulation changes 

FWP uses a two-year fishing regulation cycle, with the fishing regulations booklet printed in odd-numbered years and interim changes posted online and shared through other outreach. 

The regulation-setting process for the 2027–2028 fishing regulations begins with this spring public scoping period, during which FWP is asking for feedback on proposals the department has developed and additional suggestions from the public. Staff will use this initial input to refine a regulation proposal package that will be released for a second public comment period in August before going to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for final consideration at its fall 2026 meeting. 

FWP is scoping 41 department proposals for the 2027–2028 regulation cycle. Each proposal includes information on biological rationale, regulation type, and references to the Statewide Fisheries Management Plan. 

Public Meetings

FWP will host public meetings in each region to present the  proposals, answer questions, and collect input.

Region 1

• May 14 – Kalispell, FWP Office, 490 North Meridian Road, 5:30 p.m

Region 2 

• May 21 – Missoula, FWP Office, 3201 Spurgin Road, 6:30 p.m

Region 3 

• May 19 – Bozeman, FWP Office, 1400 South 19th, 6 p.m.

Region 4

• May 13 – Great Falls, FWP Office, 4600 Giant Springs Road, 6 p.m.

Region 5 

• May 11 – Billings, Billings Public Library, 510 North Broadway, 6 p.m.

Region 6

• May 6 – Glasgow, R6 HQ Conference Room, 1 Airport Road, 6 p.m.

Region 7

• May 7 – Miles City, FWP Office, 352 I-94 Business Loop, 6 p.m.

Statewide Virtual Meeting

• May 26 – via Zoom at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

• Login will be posted here before meeting

 

Public Input

FWP is scoping the following 41 proposals with associated information on biological rationale, regulation type and associated reference to the Statewide Fisheries Management Plan. 

Regulation Scoping Proposals

• 2027-2028 Fishing Regulations Scoping Proposals (PDF)

Deadline: Comments through this scoping effort will be collected through May 31, 2026

Submit comments online:

Comment on a proposal

Propose a regulation for FWP to consider

Or send written comments to:

fwpfishcomments@mt.gov, or

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Attention: 2027/28 Fishing Regulation Scoping
PO Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620