Montana Walleye Anglers Might Want to Know About This

One of the most popular game fish in a couple of Montana's most popular fisheries is facing some reevaluation.

In the past year, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has been doing fish population monitoring, and found that Canyon Ferry walleye numbers are slightly below goals, and fish size is also below goals. In Hauser, walleye numbers are meeting goals, but fish size is below goals. Here is where your input comes in.

In both reservoirs, Montana FWP is proposing to reduce the daily bag limit to 10 fish daily, with only one fish over 15 inches. Reducing the limit to 10 fish daily is expected to reduce the rate of harvest and keep the number of walleye within goal ranges. Implementing a length restriction of only one fish over 15 inches is intended to improve fish size by focusing harvest on more abundant, smaller fish. The department is also considering changes to the walleye bag limit in the Missouri River from Toston to Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Three management alternatives are being considered for this river section and can be found on the FWP website.

The department will accept comments on these proposed changes through Monday, March 15. FWP staff will provide the public comments to the Fish and Wildlife Commission.  The Commission will consider the proposals during their April 1 meeting. You can make comments on this page of the FWP website. Comments can also be submitted via email at fwpfsh@mt.gov, or via mail to FWP Reservoir Plan, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620. Public comment will also be accepted at the April 1 Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting.

I'm guessing the bag limit might not be as controversial as the size restriction. We shall see.