Fishing regulations scoping underway in northwest Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) regional staff are asking for public feedback on fishing regulations in northwest Montana.

Scoping is underway in northwest Montana, and FWP staff are asking for any input on potential regulation changes or concerns. Staff are seeking input on Lower Clark Fork River bass regulations, Flathead River northern pike regulations, and Flathead Lake regulations. Specific to Flathead Lake, FWP and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes co-manage the Flathead Lake and river system as one entity because of the migratory nature of fish in the system. Different regulations exist on the north and south halves of the lake, and FWP is seeking input on possible changes to make regulations consistent across the entire lake.

The initial scoping process will run through June 4, 2023. FWP staff will then formulate tentative proposals to present to the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission in the fall. Public comment on tentative proposals will be collected and the final regulations will be considered at the October commission meeting.

Anglers and others are invited to participate by reviewing regional regulations and contributing feedback for possible changes.

Feedback can be submitted to Region 1 Fisheries Manager Mike Hensler at [email protected] or by calling (406) 751-4550.