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Archive for the ‘FISHING’ Category

FWP Seeks Comment On Commercial Fishing Regulations

15 Feb

FWP Seeks Comment On Commercial Fishing Regulations – MFWP

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on the proposed commercial fishing regulations for Lake Helena and Canyon Ferry Reservoir that provide for the harvest of carp and suckers using seines.

The proposed regulations, in effect through Dec. 31, specify the areas where these fish may be harvested and how to report these commercial operations to FWP before the fishing begins.

Special regulations on the Lake Helena harvest from Jan. 1—June 30 were established to protect nesting waterfowl, and special regulations on Canyon Ferry will help prevent conflict with recreational anglers.

The FWP Commission is authorized to approve one commercial fishing operation for each body of water and to establish specific regulations. Only one individual has applied for the 2010 commercial fishing permit to harvest carp from Canyon Ferry Reservoir and Lake Helena.

Comments must be received by March 12.

For details on the new commercial fishing regulations and to comment by email, visit the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov , click on Recent Public Notices and select Fisheries Management. Comment letters may be mailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Fisheries Bureau, 1420 East Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT, 59620-070. For assistance, phone the FWP Helena Fisheries office: 406-444-2449.

 
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Ice Safety Questions? Ask A Kid

17 Jan

Ice Safety Questions? Ask A Kid – MFWP
Friday, January 15, 2010
Education
If you are unsure about the safety of ice on lakes and reservoirs this winter–you might want to ask the opinion of a young Montanan.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reaches thousands of kids each year with its angling education program, including winter courses on ice fishing.

“When we take a classroom of kids ice fishing we are as concerned about teaching them about ice safety as we are teaching ice-fishing,” said Dave Hagengruber, FWP’s angling education coordinator.

Hagengruber said ice that is four to six inches thick should be safe for a single person. For a family of anglers he is more comfortable with six to eight inches of ice, and for a full classroom he likes to have at least a foot of good, clear ice.

“There are rules of thumb on how thick ice needs to be, but people need to be aware that on every body of water the ice varies in thickness and its strength is affected by a lot of different factors,” he said. “Reservoirs can be especially challenging because the water levels vary over time as water is released and there may also be currents created as water flows into the reservoir.” Currents within a large body of water will cause the ice to be thinner where they flow.

Hagengruber said the strongest, most dependable ice forms on lakes and ponds early in the season when water and cold air come into direct contact to form a layer of clear, thick ice. Wind, snow cover and deep water are factors that may slow the formation of ice.

Underwater springs are a factor that may weaken the ice in certain areas, and pressure ridges create potentially dangerous situations.

“Pressure ridges are created when ice expands and the pressure pushes the ice together and up into a ridge,” Hagengruber said. “Where the ice buckles it may form a ridge several feet high with areas of open water nearby.”

“Under the best of circumstances ice is risky. Reading the ice is even trickier during warming spells,” he said. “We tell our angling classes that if you are in doubt stay off the ice. No fish is worth taking a chance with your life.”

Hagengruber makes a point of erring on the side of safety when working with kids. He tells them:

never go out on river ice, and
never be the first person on the ice.
Someone has to be the first person on the ice, just don’t let it be you!

 
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Posted in FISHING, MFWP

 

Applications Due Soon For Community Pond Grants

17 Jan

Applications Due Soon For Community Pond Grants – MFWP
Friday, January 15, 2010
Fishing
Communities and other organizations interested in constructing or improving a community pond have until Feb. 1 to apply for a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Community Pond Program grant.

State agencies, cities, counties, angler groups and others interested in sponsoring a project may apply.

Grant applicants must provide a minimum of 30 percent of the costs associated with the project and may match the grant funds with in-kind contributions such as heavy equipment time, construction materials, labor, engineering services, and more.

The Community Pond Program has provided funding since 2003 for projects that benefit young anglers and their families and that provide locations to teach angling skills to those of all ages.

For a fact sheet and grant applications form, go to the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov and look on the Habitat tab for the Fish Habitat page, or call FWP at 406-444-2449.

Applications are accepted annually and must be submitted by Feb. 1. All applicants are encouraged to work with a local FWP fishery biologist on planning the project.

 
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Posted in FISHING, HUNTING & CONSERVATION NEWS, MFWP

 

Smith River Applications Due Soon

15 Jan

Friday, January 15, 2010 – MFWP
Parks
What do snow sports and floating the Smith River have in common? Both are on the January “to do” list of many outdoor enthusiasts. In Montana there is nothing unusual about filling out a Smith River float application and planning a skiing or snowmobiling trip in the same month.

Smith River float applications must be postmarked, or submitted, no later than Tuesday, Feb. 16. Applications are available at all Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices or on the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov .

Online applicants need their FWP Automated Licensing System number. The ALS number is printed on the top of hunter’s and angler’s licenses. The online system will assign an ALS number to those without one.

This coming float season the new Smith River Management Plan will apply. Among other changes the plan includes a first come, first served policy at the river’s Camp Baker launch site and a pet prohibition for floaters. The Smith River Management Plan is available for review on FWP’s Web site.

The peak float season on the Smith River runs from early May to early July. For more information, contact FWP’s Region 4 office at 406-454-5840.

 
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Recent News Headline News Fishing News Hunting News Parks News Recreation News Public Notices News Archive Fishing Roundup Drought & Fire Search News Most Popular Private Land/Public Wildlife Council Meets Feb. 1-2 In Lewistown Montana’s 2010-2011 Hunting Regulation Proposals Available For Review Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission To Meet Jan. 14 In Helena 2010 Ice Fishing Derbies Montana’s 2010-2011 Hunting Regulation Proposals Available For Review RSS Feeds Recent News Hunting Fishing Drought Parks Recreation Employment What is RSS? Montana Outdoors Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission To Meet Jan. 14 In Helena

09 Jan

Wednesday, January 06, 2010 – MFWP
Commission
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Jan. 14 at the FWP Helena Headquarters, 1420 East 6 th Ave beginning at 1 p.m.

The FWP Commission will make final decisions on:

acquiring bighorn sheep habitat near Anaconda and a right-of-way for a fishing access site 24 miles west of Bozeman on the Madison River;
Montana’s bighorn sheep conservation strategy; and
waterfowl hunting on Mitchell Slough near Missoula.
The commission will also consider proposals on the FWP budget and legislative priorities; the peregrine falcon take for falconry in 2010; antler-shed hunting on wildlife management areas; two conservation easements for upland game birds, and clarification of the no-wake zone rule on Echo and Swan lakes.

Commissioners will also discuss bison management in Montana.

A morning work session beginning at 8:30 a.m. will include a joint meeting with the Board of Livestock, and discussions on hunter/landowner stewardship and conservation management along the Rocky Mountain Front.

FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with a disability. Individuals with special needs may request arrangements by contacting FWP at: 406-444-3186.

The full agenda and additional information on the scheduled topics may be found on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov under the heading FWP Commission.

 
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Posted in FISHING, HUNTING, HUNTING & CONSERVATION NEWS, MFWP

 

Rules for Ice Fishing Safety – MFWP

29 Dec

Rules for Ice Fishing Safety

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The ice fishing season is here, but ice conditions may vary and not always be safe.

Starting with the recent cold snap, ice begins to firm up, then melts when temperatures fluctuate. That means ice safe yesterday may be a death trap tomorrow.

Whatever the weather, it’s best to test the condition of the ice before venturing forth. Ice thickness depends on a number of factors: currents, inflows from streams, water depth, underwater springs or other features protruding through the ice. Slight changes in any of these can lead to uncertain ice conditions.

Here are some tips for staying safe on the ice:

· There should be a minimum of six inches of hard ice before individual foot travel.

· Stay off the ice along the shoreline if it is cracked or squishy. Don’t go on the ice during thaws.

· Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and ice may also indicate weak spots.

· Small bodies of water tend to freeze thicker. Rivers and lakes are more prone to wind, currents and wave action that weaken ice.

· Don’t gather in large groups on the ice.

· Don’t drive large vehicles onto the ice.

· If you break through, try not to panic. Move or swim back to where you fell in. Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. A set of ice picks, worn around the neck, can aid in a self-rescue. Once out of the water, don’t stand but roll away from the hole until you reach solid ice.

The best method for determining ice thickness is carry a spud bar, or chisel, and test the thickness when walking onto a frozen lake. That’s especially true if no one recently has been on the lake.

 
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January Means Smith River Permit Applications

15 Dec

January Means Smith River Permit Applications – MFWP

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Headlines – Region 4

When the new year arrives, it will be time to start thinking about summer floating trips on the Smith River.

Applications will be available Jan. 4 at all Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices or on the FWP website: www.fwp.mt.gov. Applications must be postmarked or submitted no later than Tuesday, Feb. 16.

FWP’s online licensing system might be just the ticket for anyone who wants to apply at home, but an ALS number is required.

For those folks who previously bought a hunting or fishing license, the ALS number is printed on the license top. For those without an ALS number, the online system will assign one.

To apply online, starting Jan. 4 go to the department’s web site. Then under the state parks logo click on Smith River permit.

Applications are also available at any FWP regional office.

Starting in 2010 a new Smith River management plan will take affect. The plan includes two changes next year: A first come, first served policy at the river’s Camp Baker launch site and a pet prohibition for floaters.

The Camp Baker policy states that official registration and campsite selection for floaters will begin 7:30 a.m. the day before a scheduled launch.

The no pet policy prohibits dogs and other pets on all Smith River floats.

The management plan is also online under state parks at the FWP web site.

Typically, several thousand floaters annually apply, with about 800 getting the permit they seek. The peak float season runs from early May to early July. For more information contact the FWP Region 4 office at (406) 454-5840

 
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Posted in FISHING, GENERAL, MFWP

 

Missouri River Trout Populations Up

08 Dec

Missouri River Trout Populations Up MFWP
Fisheries surveys this year indicate rainbow and brown trout numbers are up in the Missouri River between Holter Dam and Cascade.
State biologists this fall found 3,458 rainbow trout greater than 10 inches long near the town of Craig on the Missouri. The long-term average for that section is 2,917.
“The rainbows in the Craig section were remarkably high quality,” says Grant Grisak, Fish Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologist. “About 85% of the rainbows were 15 inches and larger, and fish in the 18 inch length group alone represented 24% of the total population.”
The largest rainbow sampled was 4.8 pounds.
In the Pelican Point
section, just upstream from the town of Cascade, rainbows were estimated at 1,577 per mile, which is higher
than the long-term average of 1,494.
Grisak said: “64% of the
rainbows in the population were
15 inches and larger.”
Brown trout populations in
the river were also up. The spring estimate of brown trout in the Craig section was 584 per mile in the Craig section; the long-term average there
is 578.
In the Pelican Point section spring browns were estimated at
611 per mile higher than the
long-term average of 358.
Brown trout populations are sampled in the spring and rainbow populations are sampled in the fall.
During late summer and early fall, Missouri River anglers reported good fly-fishing for larger rainbows, which Grisak says, is consistent
with the number of large rainbows observed during the population
estimates.
Anglers also reported many brown trout in the Craig section, which is likely a result of unusually cooler weather in early October causing browns to swim upstream and start their spawning run about a month earlier than normal, said Grisak.

 
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FWP Extends Comment Period For Draft Blackfoot River Recreation Management Plan

08 Dec

FWP Extends Comment Period For Draft Blackfoot River Recreation Management Plan
MFWP

MFWPs is extending the public comment period through Dec. 16, 2009 on a draft recreation management plan and environmental assessment (EA) for the Blackfoot River.
“The Blackfoot River is
important to a lot of people, and we’re finding that we continue to get a lot of good questions and input even as the end of the original 30-day public comment period draws to a close,” says Lee Bastian, FWP’s Region 2 State Parks Supervisor in Missoula. “We decided to extend the
comment period for another month so that we are able to engage everyone that is interested.”
The draft Blackfoot River management plan and EA address several key issues identified by a citizen advisory committee, FWP staff and public input. The primary proposals include continuing to manage for high volume summer use downstream from Whitaker Bridge;
management actions to address congestion on the water in the upper sections of the river; restricting camping to designated
locations in high-use reaches of the river and exploring opportunities for overnight float trips; and a permit allocation system that could be used in the future if conditions become undesirable on certain stretches of the river.
The public is invited to review and comment on the 59-page draft plan and EA any time by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. Copies of the plan and EA are available online at fwp.mt.gov . Click “Blackfoot River Plan.” Copies are also available from the Missoula and Helena FWP offices, or by calling 406-542-5562. Comments may be submitted in writing at the Web site listed above, via e-mail to blackfootcomments@mt.gov , or mail written comments to: Blackfoot River Plan; Montana FWP, 3201 Spurgin Road; Missoula, MT 59804.
The draft management plan, which builds upon work established in the 9-year old Blackfoot River Recreation Management Direction, is based in part on the recommendations of the River Recreation Advisory for Tomorrow (DRAFT) citizen advisory committee. The
25-member committee was appointed to represent the interests of private floaters and anglers, the outfitting industry, private landowners, and the various agencies that play a role in managing recreation.
The final plan will be based on public comments, the results of the EA, and input from staff.

 
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Posted in FISHING, HUNTING & CONSERVATION NEWS

 

Missouri River Trout Populations Up

02 Dec

Missouri River Trout Populations Up – MFWP
Fisheries surveys this year indicate rainbow and brown trout numbers are up in the Missouri River between Holter Dam and Cascade.
State biologists this fall found 3,458 rainbow trout greater than 10 inches long near the town of Craig on the Missouri. The long-term average for that section is 2,917.
“The rainbows in the Craig section were remarkably high quality,” says Grant Grisak, Fish Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologist. “About 85% of the rainbows were 15 inches and larger, and fish in the 18 inch length group alone represented 24% of the total population.”
The largest rainbow sampled was 4.8 pounds.
In the Pelican Point
section, just upstream from the town of Cascade, rainbows were estimated at 1,577 per mile, which is higher
than the long-term average of 1,494.
Grisak said: “64% of the
rainbows in the population were
15 inches and larger.”
Brown trout populations in
the river were also up. The spring estimate of brown trout in the Craig section was 584 per mile in the Craig section; the long-term average there
is 578.
In the Pelican Point section spring browns were estimated at
611 per mile higher than the
long-term average of 358.
Brown trout populations are sampled in the spring and rainbow populations are sampled in the fall.
During late summer and early fall, Missouri River anglers reported good fly-fishing for larger rainbows, which Grisak says, is consistent
with the number of large rainbows observed during the population
estimates.
Anglers also reported many brown trout in the Craig section, which is likely a result of unusually cooler weather in early October causing browns to swim upstream and start their spawning run about a month earlier than normal, said Grisak.

 
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