Additional commission amendments proposed for November meeting

HELENA – Fish and Wildlife Commission Vice-Chairman Pat Tabor, from Region 1, is carrying four amendments to the proposed fishing regulations, which are on the agenda for the Nov. 12 commission meeting. The commission will meet at Montana WILD and virtually on Nov. 12 at 8:30 a.m. The commission meeting agenda is available for public review and comment online. 

The FWP amendments being carried by Vice Chair Tabor pertain to bull trout on specific water bodies.   

On page 26 of the 2024 Fishing Regulations for Big Salmon Creek add: 

Closed to all angling within a 300-yard radius around the inlet (where the creek enters the lake) of Big Salmon Lake. 

On page 26 of the 2024 Fishing Regulations for Big Salmon Lake add: 

Closed to all angling within a 300-yard radius around the inlet (where the creek enters the lake) of Big Salmon Lake. 

On page 36, change the regulations for Hungry Horse Reservoir to: 

Bull trout: 1 fish per license year from the third Saturday in May through Aug. 15. Catch-and-release the rest of the year with a Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead permit validation on Fishing License. A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. See bull trout under “What do I Need to Fish in Montana” (page 15). All bull trout must be released immediately or killed and counted as your limit when harvest is allowed. It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason. 

On page 44, change the regulations for the South Fork Flathead River upstream from Hungry Horse Reservoir: 

Bull trout: No intentional angling for bull trout except catch-and-release from July 1 through July 31. Angling is prohibited from the mouths of Gordon Creek and Little Salmon Creek downstream 300 yards from June 15 to September 30. A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead bull trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. See bull trout under “What do I Need to Fish in Montana” (page 15) for application information. All bull trout must be released promptly, with little or no delay. It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason. Angling for bull trout is not allowed in South Fork Flathead River tributaries or Big Salmon Lake. 

Commissioner Tabor also is carrying an amendment that would change spearfishing regulations in the Western District. To see the proposed amendments, click here. Other amendments may be announced prior to the Nov. 12 meeting.  

Comments on commission amendments can be submitted to the commission by going to fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/october-2024-meeting. Comments can also be emailed to: FWPComm@mt.gov  Comments on this amendment will be accepted through Oct. 31. Comments will also be taken in person at Montana WILD or any FWP Regional Office during the meeting and virtually during the meeting from those who register; a link to register for public comment will be posted on the commission webpage on Oct. 29. 

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