The following is a post by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks shared as a courtesy to our followers:
FWP is now in its third season of collaborative research with Montana State University looking at trout recruitment, health and mortality in the upper Jefferson River basin.
Spring trout population sampling, which contributes to that research, is nearing completion for the year, and new trout abundance estimates are now available for the Big Hole River. Those results show population growth in some areas, and mixed results in others.
To view these population estimates, visit http://bit.ly/4ePyceQ
This year’s spring sampling marked the third and final year of tagging trout in the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby and lower Madison rivers, with tagging in the upper Madison River slated for this fall. Staff will continue monitoring tagged fish for the coming years to better understand how environmental conditions, such as water temperature and flows, influence survival, as well as potential angling effects.
Anglers who report catching tagged fish substantively contribute to the informed management of these fisheries by helping researchers identify individual fish. FWP and MSU have partnered with Montana Trout Unlimited to host drawings for guided fishing trips, equipment and other prizes for anglers who submit reports of catching fish with blue tags. Yellow tag reports are each worth a prize of $100. Reward opportunities will continue in 2026.
To learn more about the research effort and how to report a tagged fish, visit http://fwp.mt.gov/…/fisheries-management/trout-mgmt-sw-mt
Feature photo via Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
