[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Montana FWP has proposed several changes to fishing regulations that fly anglers should be aware of. A couple are controversial, including changes to the Upper Madison, and the proposal to allow keeping 1 native Cutthroat per day. Weren’t we told they were endangered only a few years ago?
Read this article by Ben Pierce at the Bozeman Daily Chronicle with comments by Craig Matthews (Blue Ribbon Flies), Bruce Farling (Montana TU) and Travis Horton (FWP Biologist).
The comment period has been extended until Oct. 3rd, so now is the time to voice your opinion. Let ’em have it…
To comment on the proposed changes visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov, then click “2016 Proposed Fishing Regulations;” or email to fwpfsh@mt.gov; or mail to Joel Tohtz, Fisheries Management Bureau Chief, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59601.
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Has anyone actually ever caught a cutty in the Madison?
Can’t say I’ve ever seen one.
Ahhh misread the sentence.
Having lived in Ennis and Hamilton I can say the guide traffic on those rivers is so heavy it completely ruins the experience and impacts the fisheries heavily. Bumper boat fishing was coined on those rivers. As a local and Montanan it is upsetting to see such heavy use by outfitters. These rivers need to be regulated for outfitters and guides, period. Add the beaverhead to the list too.
Having fished the Mo for a decade last year and this year had dense numbers of outfitters too. Everywhere is busier but there needs to be a balance. I know guides need to make a living, but there has to be regs to preserve the experience, fishery, and our state ethics .
Be observant and polite out there. And give folks space. Ask yourself what kind of experience you’d want, and emulate that idea