Brett French reports: Fish and Wildlife Commission restricts catch limit

Going against the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ staff recommendations, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission recently restricted raising the catch limit on some rivers and streams across the state. The amendment was proposed by Commissioner K.C. Walsh, who represents Region 4. On some streams, FWP had proposed raising the catch limit to five fish, the state standard, to simplify regulations and because there was no biological reason to keep lower limits in place. Walsh, citing concerns about “undocumented illegals” and other reasons, pushed to keep more restrictive regulations, and the commission agreed in a 5-2 vote. Surveys by FWP showed on the busy stretch of the Missouri River below Holter Dam, 87% of anglers are already releasing all fish. On the Madison River, a survey showed 97% were releasing fish. The Region 3 fisheries manager said water is the limiting factor for fish health and numbers in Montana, not anglers catching and keeping trout to eat. To read more, check out my story at https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/fish-wildlife-and-parks-fishing/article_245b5be6-a863-11ef-b403-97fa02dbf957.html.

Written by Brett French | Outdoors Editor for Billings Gazette Communications