In the coming months, I’ll be writing articles on Montana fishing and conservation issues. A few months ago, I was fortunate to have been selected as a member of the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) Region 5 Citizen’s Advisory Council, which serves to advise FWP on a variety of hunting, fishing and parks issues. Hopefully, I’ll be able to use this column to inform you of upcoming topics and issues, as well as pass along your questions and concerns.

Before getting in to specific topics, I thought it might be helpful, especially to those of you living outside Montana , to get a feel for some facts and figures relating to fishing in Montana . Some Montana natives might be surprised by some of the following numbers as well.

 

Who Fishes in Montana ?

Residents purchase about 53 percent of the state’s fishing licenses. About 33 percent of adult Montana residents purchase fishing licenses annually. In total, 227,562 residents and 200,647 non-residents held Montana fishing licenses in 2003. Montana residents account for just over 70 percent of the angling pressure in Montana . One exception is the Bighorn: 70 percent of the angling pressure on the river is from non-residents.

 

Where is Everyone Fishing?

The rivers that annually receive the greatest pressure are the Missouri , Madison , Bighorn, Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Gallatin and Yellowstone . The lakes with the heaviest pressure are Fort Peck , Canyon Ferry, Holter, Georgetown , Flathead, Hauser, Lake Koocanusa and Hebgen. Most fishing activity overall, over 29 percent, takes place in Region 3 (in south-central Montana ) and includes waters near Livingston, Bozeman , Dillon, Helena and Butte . In 2003, about 15 percent of angling pressure occurred on the rivers and reservoirs of the Upper Yellowstone River drainage upstream of and including the Bighorn River . In 2003, anglers spent 2.7 million days fishing, down from an all time high in 1999 of 3.18 million days. There are 320 FWP-operated Fishing Access Sites in Montana . Improved boat ramps are available at 160.

 

Who Pays for the Fishing Access Sites?

The Parks Division of FWP develops and maintains fishing access sites (FAS). The Fisheries Division is responsible for locating and acquiring new sites. A dollar from each resident license purchase and five dollars from each non-resident license fund both the purchase of new sites and maintenance of existing sites. Of the funding generated, half is used for the operation and maintenance of existing FAS sites and the other half is used to acquire new sites.

 

When is Everyone Fishing?

It should come as no surprise that July is the busiest fishing month in Montana . 19 percent of yearly angling pressure takes place during the month. June and August each see 16.2 percent, and November sees 2 percent. The general fishing season in Montana runs from the third Saturday in May through November 30. All waters in the Eastern District and most lakes, reservoirs and larger rivers are open year-round, though on many trout rivers (such as the Yellowstone) winter is considered "whitefish season" and catch and release rules are in effect for trout.

 

How Does Fishing Impact Montana 's Economy?

In 2004, resident and non-resident anglers spent an estimated $235 million on transportation, lodging, food, guide fees, and other direct purchases, excluding license fees. Non-residents account for more than 50 percent of this figure, and stream and river anglers account for almost 70 percent of the total expenditures. For every dollar spent by the FWP Fisheries Program, anglers spend $10.70.

 

Have Things Changed Much Over the Years?

Some interesting historical notes about Montana 's angling history follow:

 

1876 Use of explosives to kill fish is outlawed.

1889 Federal government introduces brown, rainbow and brook trout in to streams in Yellowstone National Park . First hatchery built in Miles City .

1895 First Fish and Game Commission established.

1924 Resident hunting and fishing license sales reach 56,113.

1928 Daily limit of 40 fish established.

1939 Daily limit reduced to 15 fish.

1959 Daily limit reduced to 10 fish or 10 pounds and one fish.

1966 Yellowtail Dam transforms the Bighorn River .

1973 Stocking of "catchable" trout in streams with healthy wild populations is stopped.

1974 Fish and Game stops stocking trout completely in rivers and streams.

1977 Fishing Access Site program expands. Portions of license fees earmarked for new sites.

1978 First catch-and-release program instituted on portions of the Madison River .

1981 Concern over Yellowstone paddlefish populations prompts regulation changes.

1985 Montana Stream Access Law achieved through legislative action.

1991 Arctic grayling and bull trout populations in trouble.

1992 Fishing for bull trout west of the Continental Divide is closed.

1994 Whirling disease is found in the upper Madison River .

1997 White sturgeon in the Kootenai River listed as endangered. Arctic grayling and bull trout categorized as candidate species for listing.

1998 Bull trout listed under Endangered Species Act.

2000 Three major rivers closed to angling for part of summer due to drought conditions.

2001 New rules adopted on Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers to reduce crowding and user conflicts.

 

 

My job, in the coming months, will be to keep you up to date with the latest fishing and conservation issues affecting Montana ’s anglers. In the meantime, please feel free to share your thoughts and concerns.

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     Doug Haake learned to fly fish on the Mad River in Ohio before he was 16. Upon high school graduation, he moved to Montana and spent next nine summers as a ranger in Yellowstone National Park. Now married 24 years with two children, Doug fishes regularly throughout Montana all year long, while maintaining his own software development business. Active in local and regional Trout Unlimited activities, public access issues, and fly-tying and casting instruction, Doug is also a member of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park's Region Five Citizen Advisory Council. He also enjoys fly tying, aviation, watching his daughter Jenna play college softball and fishing with his son Owen.   Doug can be reached at doug@imsracing.net.