FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Table of Contents FWP Administrative Regions and Hatchery Locations

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FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Table of Contents FWP Administrative Regions and Hatchery Locations...... 3 Region 1 Reports: Northwest Montana...... 5 Region 2 Reports: West Central Montana...... 17 Region 3 Reports: Southwest Montana...... 34 Region 4 Reports: North Central Montana...... 44 Region 5 Reports: South Central Montana...... 65 Region 6 Reports: Northeast Montana ...... 73 Region 7 Reports: Southeast Montana...... 86 Montana Fish Hatchery Reports:...... 92 Murray Springs Trout Hatchery ...... 92 Washoe Park Trout Hatchery...... 93 Yellowstone River Trout Hatchery...... 94 Fort Peck Fish Hatchery...... 95 Sekokini Springs Experimental Hatchery...... 96 Jocko River Trout Hatchery...... 97 Bluewater Springs Trout Hatchery...... 99 Giant Springs Fish Hatchery...... 100 Miles City State Fish Hatchery...... 101 Flathead Lake Salmon Hatchery...... 102 Big Springs Trout Hatchery...... 103 Aquatic Invasive Species Report...... 104 Montana Fish Records...... 106

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Front cover: “Cutthroat with Fly” photo credit: Jason Blakney

- 2 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 FWP Administrative Regions and Hatcheries

FWP Regional Offices Headquarters Region 4 Butte Area Office 1420 E. 6th Avenue 4600 Giant Springs Road 1820 Meadowlark Lane Helena, MT 59601 Great Falls, MT 59405 Butte, MT 59701 406-444-2449 406-454-5840 406-494-1953 Region 1 Region 5 Havre Area Office 490 North Meridan Road 2300 Lake Elmo Drive 2165 Hwy 2 East Kalispell, MT 59901 Billings, MT 59105 Havre, MT 59501 406-752-5501 406-247-2940 406-265-6177 Region 2 Region 6 Helena Area Office 3201 Spurgin Road 1 Airport Road 930 Custer Avenue West Missoula, MT 59804 Glasgow, MT 59230 Helena, MT 59602 406-542-5500 406-228-3700 406-495-3260 Region 3 Region 7 Lewistown Area Office 1400 South 19th Avenue 352 I-94 Business Loop 333 Airport Road, Ste. 1 Bozeman, MT 59718z Miles City, MT 59301 Lewistown, MT 59457 406-577-7900 406-234-0900 406-538-4658 Hatcheries Big Springs Trout Hatchery Giant Springs Trout Sekokini Springs Hatchery 2051 Fish Hatchery Road Hatchery 490 North Meridian Road Lewistown, MT 59457 4801 Giant Springs Rd Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 538-5588 Great Falls, MT 59405 (406) 857-3744 (406) 452-5734 Bluewater Springs Jocko River Trout Hatchery Washoe Park Trout Hatchery 206 Hatchery Lane Trout Hatchery 700 Bluewater Road Arlee, MT 59821 600 W Pennsylvania St Bridger, MT 59014 (406) 726-3344 Anaconda, MT 59711 (406) 668-7443 (406) 563-2531

Flathead Lake Salmon & Miles City Fish Hatchery Yellowstone River Rose Creek Hatchery 107 Fish Hatchery Road Trout Hatchery 100 Spring Creek Road Miles City, MT 59301 17 Fairgrounds Somers, MT 59932 (406) 234-4753 Big Timber, MT 59011 (406) 857-3744 (406) 932-4434

Fort Peck Hatchery Murray Springs 277 Highway 117 Trout Hatchery Fort Peck, MT 59223 5475 Sophie Lake Road (406) 526-3689 Eureka, MT 59917 (406) 889-3489

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- 4 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 a “roving creel design” – where surveyors attempt Region 1 to interview anglers at common access points after they’ve completed their fishing trips. We also con- Northwest Montana ducted flights to count river users throughout the year, describing them along the way (for example: boater, Angler Use and Characteristics in the Upper Flat- shore angler, non-fishing boaters, etc.). By combing head River System this large body of information, we could make com- Amber Steed, Fisheries Biologist parisons over time and across areas in the drainage.

Anglers are one of the most valuable sources of infor- So, what did we find? For starters, we connected mation that fisheries professionals have. So naturally, with nearly 1,400 anglers across all seasons and angler surveys are a critical tool for gathering useful have them to thank for the information we gained. and interesting information about our fisheries and We also performed 189 flights of the river to count their user groups, guiding management while con- users, helping us to estimate fishing pressure. As necting the public with resource managers. Often referred to as “creel” surveys, these studies describe a wide range of fishery characteristics such as angling pressure, catch rates, harvest rates, species composition, and the users themselves. However, collecting this information can be expensive and time-consuming, making frequent large-scale efforts impractical. Yet, it was recently time to revisit our understanding of the Flathead River’s fisheries, allowing for adaptive management (regulation changes, for example) based on data-driven work.

Within the upper Flathead River system, large- scale angler surveys have been performed about once per decade since the early 1980s. For example, a “fisherman census” of the Main- stem and North Fork Flathead rivers was conducted during spring-fall 1982. Later, a “Flathead River Creel Report” was produced for one year during 1992-1993, expanding to the North and Middle forks as well as the Mainstem Flathead River. Then, during 2002-2003, an angler survey focused on just the Mainstem, surveying anglers during all seasons. Most recently during 2015- 2016, we repeated this last survey to update our understanding of how the Flathead River Figure 1.—Study area of the Flathead River system targeted by an angler survey was used by both anglers and non-anglers alike. conducted from March 2015 through February 2016. An additional Section 5 included the lower Flathead River sloughs, as in Deleray (2004). Angler access Prior angler surveys documented the fisheries points used by surveyors are shown by name and location, where FAS = Fishing changes associated with the establishment of Access Site. Mysis shrimp in Flathead Lake, which dramatically impacted native and non-native species and the fisher- you may imagine, that pressure increased since the ies they support. As in the past, our most recent angler early 2000s – by 80%! While that growth represents survey in 2015-2016 described fishing pressure, catch a big jump in use, it may not surprise residents and rates, harvest rates, species composition, and addi- longtime visitors to the area. We have seen a steady tional user information. Since the Flathead system is climb in local and statewide outdoor recreation large and accessible from many locations, we used - 5 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 ond (e.g., Northern Pikeminnow, Pea- mouth Chub, etc., often used as bait). Rounding out in third was Northern Pike.

As in prior surveys, gear types and lure use varied across seasons and river sections to suit the fisheries they targeted. For example, fly-fishing and guided angling was most prevalent in the uppermost river sections from Blankenship Bridge downstream to Pressentine Bar FAS, while spin-casting ruled in the lower river near Sportsmans Bridge. Predictably, summer was the most popular season for both overall use and visitation by non-resident anglers. And when it came to boating, just over half (53%) of all users were not anglers – but only during summer months. Figure 2—Estimates of angler fishing pressure (hours) in the Flathead River, by section, during 2015-2016. River sections are listed from upstream down and are defined in Figure 1. In this increasingly-popular river system offering seasonally-diverse angling over that same period, including visitation at many opportunities, our ability to describe local state parks and nearby Glacier National Park. important fishery characteristics offers value well worth the investment. Be sure to check out the While we collected more information than we have space to share in this article, we saw a few other changes worth noting here. For example, there was a large drop in both catch and harvest rates for Lake Whitefish during that autumn river fishery. There are some likely reasons for this: for starters, the loss of a commercial market and associated harvest since 2009 along with natural population variability year-to-year. However, harvest rates were still highest among all species as angling for Lake Whitefish in the Flathead River remains popular during fall – your luck may just depend on the year.

Additionally, the lower-river sloughs received the most angling pressure across all seasons during 2015-2016 as compared to ranking fourth among the five river sections during 2002-2003. Ice fishing for Yellow Perch contributed to that Avid angler and FWP employee, Jayden Duckworth, enjoys catching Westslope Cutthroat use; in fact, that was the most frequently Trout on the Flathead River.. caught fish throughout the entire study period and across river sections. Ranking second in full report, now available online at https://myfwp. catch rate was our state fish, the Westslope Cutthroat mt.gov/fishMT/reports/surveyreport. Just click on Trout. Lake Whitefish was not far behind in third. And the “Reports” tab and search “angler survey”. Thank while Lake Whitefish was the most-harvested spe- you all who made it possible and happy fishing! cies, the category we called “other” came in sec- - 6 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 New Regulation to help Conserve Native Fish in trout per mile. When looking at memorable sized trout the Flathead River System (>12”), those estimates shrink to roughly 30-60 fish Leo Rosenthal, Fisheries Biologist per mile. To put this in perspective, the Missouri River downstream of Holter Dam typically produces popula- Region 1 provides some of the best Westslope Cutthroat tion estimates of 3,000-4,000 trout greater than 10” Trout angling opportunities in the state. Anglers can per mile. The low numbers in the Flathead are likely find solitude, crystal clear waters, and exceptional catch the result of the very clear and cold waters that make rates for Westslope Cutthroat Trout in all three forks of these rivers so visually stunning, but also keep insect the Flathead River (North, Middle, and South). Addi- populations low. Because bug populations are so low, tionally, the South Fork is one of only a handful of places a survival strategy for Westslope Cutthroat Trout is to in which anglers can catch and release Bull Trout, a fish “taste” most things that float by; if it tastes bad they listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. can spit it out. That strategy doesn’t work so well when there is a hook attached to the item being tasted. So, Fisheries biologists have been monitoring these fish despite the low numbers of fish, catch rates for fly and populations since the early 1980s, and because of the spin fishermen remain high, making these rivers an remote nature of these rivers, have adapted to using excellent choice for novice and experienced anglers more primitive technologies to acquire their estimates. Much of the Middle Fork and the entire South Fork lie in the Great Bear and Bob Marshall Wilder- ness areas. Limitations on the type of equipment and the distance to access these locations necessitate the use of pack animals rather than pickup trucks to get there, and angling rather than electrofishing to sample fish. Mark-recapture estimates are conducted using angling to mark the fish with a brightly colored tag near the dorsal fin and snorkeling for the recapture survey. The “recapture” is actually seeing and identifying the tagged and untagged trout. We then calculate an estimate from the proportion of tagged to non-tagged trout. As you can imagine, a lot of time and effort is necessary to complete these- sur veys, so each reach is completed every three years. Results from these population estimates reveal stable A tagged Westslope Cutthroat Trout that shows signs of having been Westslope Cutthroat Trout populations in all three caught previously (hook scarring). forks of the Flathead River. However, these estimates also describe a relatively low-density trout popula- alike. Unfortunately, the fishery does show signs that tion, with most reaches containing 300-500 catchable these high catch rates and an increase in river use have the potential to affect future trout numbers.

The Flathead valley has experienced consid- erable population growth over the past 20 years. This growth has been from an increase in residents, as well as unprecedented numbers of visitors to Glacier National Park during the summer months. The rise in popularity has resulted in increased river use in all three forks of the Flathead River. When biologists examine Westslope Cutthroat Trout during population estimates, they report ~40% of fish over 12” show signs (hook scarring) that Snorkeling for the recapture survey. they have been caught and released before.

- 7 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 the amount of handling that occurs while releasing fish. Most of the affected area currently requires catch-and- release for Westslope Cut- throat Trout, so the new regulation should allow anglers to release their fish with greater ease. Anglers can be compliant with the new regulation in several ways: 1) Remove the treble hook from lures and replace it with a single hook, 2) Cut two of Increased river use in all three forks of the Flathead River. the shanks off an existing treble hook, 3) Purchase lures equipped with single Although scarred fish may survive and behave as nor- hooks. Most anglers have found that replacing treble mal, the scars do indicate that these low-density fish hooks with in-line eyed hooks in a larger size has been populations are vulnerable to overfishing as use con- more effective than the clipped treble hook. Lures with tinues to increase. So as a proactive measure to guard multiple hook attachments (i.e. Rapala) can still have against these potential negative effects, FWP made a multiple hooks but must be single-pointed hooks. recent regulation change to eliminate treble hooks in the forks of the Flathead River upstream of Columbia Falls. Federal Agencies to Complete Columbia River System Operation, Environmental Impact State- The 2020 fishing regulations for the North, Mid- ment in 2020 dle, and South Forks of the Flathead River will now Brian Marotz, Hydropower Mitigation Coordinator (retired) and require anglers to fish with only single-pointed hooks Matt Boyer, Science Program Supervisor upstream of Teakettle FAS in the town of Columbia Falls. With this regulation change, we hope to reduce Libby Dam, Hungry Horse Dam, and SKQ Dam on Flat- head Lake have been under review for the last four years as part of a Columbia Basin-wide analysis of dam operations. The Environmental Impact Statement or EIS is scheduled to be completed in 2020, and will guide how the hydrosystem is operated for years to come. You’ll have the opportunity to review and comment on the plan this spring. Operations at SKQ Dam on Flathead Lake are not expected to change, so we are closely watching some operations being considered for Hungry Horse and Libby dams. With the many demands placed on the Columbia River hydrosystem it’s a challenge striking a balance to meet flood control, renewable power generation, and ecosystem function objectives.

On January 21, 2020, we had our first chance to review the draft “Preferred Alternative”, just in time for this newsletter. Montana dams appear to be doing well in the process. During the last two decades, the State of Montana allied with the Confederated Salish and Koo- tenai Tribes and Kootenai Tribe of Idaho (collectively, the “Upper Basin Sovereigns” or UBS) to design dam Examples of common lures with single-pointed hooks. operations that maintains clean renewable hydro- - 8 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 power and current flood protections, while improving which minimizes costs and impacts to power revenues. habitat for fish and wildlife in our reservoirs and rivers (known as the “Montana Operation”). Our plan and Our recommendation to manage drought year opera- recommended improvements withstood scrutiny and tions using local, basin-specific inflow forecasts instead successfully made it into the draft Preferred Alterna- of triggering dry year operations based mainstem tive, which when finalized will drive future operations. Columbia River flows at The Dalles was found to be better than the current operation. Using site-specific We successfully argued against operations that would water supply forecasts, helps dam operators bet- have harmed the Montana Operation and the fisher- ter manage variable water supplies and runoff tim- ies in the Kootenai and Flathead they are intended to ing in each river basin, optimizing the entire system. protect. For example, two of the alternatives (2 and 3) would have drafted Libby Reservoir too deeply by Hopefully these positive changes for Montana’s dams will the end of December, which would impact reservoir prevail in the final EIS. More information on the Colum- refill and remove opportunities to optimize river flows bia River hydrosystem can be found at: www.crso.info. during the peak period for trout growth, summer and fall. These same alternatives would have relaxed rules that were established to minimize unnatural flow fluctuations that harm food production for river fish. Although the draft Preferred Alternative does result in greater Libby Reservoir drawdown during springtime, the springtime draft is less deep. The good news is, despite this increased springtime draft, by mesh- ing flood management (VarQ) with flows released to help White Sturgeon, reservoir refill can be improved during summer. The overall change is subtle, but worth investigating if you plan to send comments.

Alternative 4 (MO4, measure 7) would have priori- tized meeting flow targets in the lower Columbia River at McNary Dam at great sacrifice to our reservoirs and rivers. This flow augmentation was intended to help juvenile salmon and steelhead migrate to the ocean, but results showed that resident fish upstream Libby Dam spillway. would be impacted with little or no benefit to anadromous fish downstream. As good upstream neigh- Community Fishing Ponds in the Flathead Valley bors, UBS share the desire to restore anadromous fish, Kenneth Breidinger, Fisheries Biologist which is why our Montana Operation was designed to benefit fish systemwide, and was endorsed by inde- Montana’s Flathead Valley has diverse fishing opportu- pendent scientists. Water discharged from Montana nities that include large lakes, mountain lakes, rivers and reservoirs continues downstream to help recover streams. While many anglers enjoy these fisheries, they anadromous fish, without impacting our fisheries. can be challenging to fish and access and often require specialized gear. For kids and others who are new to We recommended winter operations at Libby Dam fishing, people who have difficulty accessing natural to restore streamside trees and improve conditions water bodies or anglers who want to fish from shore for endangered White Sturgeon in the Kootenai River and experience higher catch rates, the Flathead Valley (MO4, measure 22). Dam discharges would be reduced has community fishing ponds. The premier community during winter after a particularly high spring flow pond in Region 1 is Pine Grove Pond. On the banks of event, giving shoreline plants a year or two to grow the Whitefish River and five acres in size, the pond pro- before being inundated or flushed away. This operation vides a relaxing experience for anglers and non-anglers would only have to occur a few years each decade to alike. FWP stocks the pond annually with 6,500 West- protect natural seedlings in the floodplain processes, slope Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout and from the last

- 9 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 angler survey in 2016, the pond supported more than 1,500 angler days. Rivers Edge Pond in Columbia Falls is the Flathead’s newest community fishing pond. The pond is the result of a cooperative effort between the City of Columbia Falls, the Flathead Land Trust and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Schellinger Construction, Hamil- ton Excavating and JD Thinning donated time, equipment and expertise to the project. Their help was essential to constructing the pond. The pond opened to fishing in June 2019. Close to the Flathead River and just east of downtown, Rivers Edge Pond is surrounded by cottonwoods. Up to 1,500 Westslope Cutthroat Trout are planted annually into the pond. FWP will monitor the pond and adjust management to assure the best possible fishery. As with most of the family fishing ponds in Region 1, Anglers over 14 years old are required to release all fish. Anglers Anglers fish for Westslope Cutthroat Trout at the grand opening of Rivers Edge Pond. 14 and under may harvest one trout per day. The project is not complete and we hope to improve the site by adding a fishing platform, benches, and a walking path. The City of Columbia Falls manages Rivers Edge Park and has improvements planned for the rest of the park as well. In addition to angling, Riv- ers Edge Pond will be used for programs such as hooked on fishing and other educational events. Signboards will be placed along the trail to educate users about the Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Montana’s state fish. In addition to Pine Grove and Rivers Edge, we help provide community fishing opportunities at Buffalo Head Park, Dry Bridge Slough, Lion Lake, The Moun- tain Mall, Shady Lane and Swan Pond in the Flathead; Teddy’s Pond in Troy, the Libby Pond, Triangle Pond near Noxon, Frog Pond by Trout Creek, State Park Pond near Thompson Falls. FWP will continue to improve these fisheries and pursue opportunities to develop new sites. If you’re new to fishing or interested in showing a new angler the ropes, give one of these ponds a try. They’re great places to learn to fish or just enjoy some time by the water. For more information about these ponds and community fishing ponds throughout the state, go to https://myfwp.mt.gov/ fishMT/search/-/0/00/CHLDPOND/Both. Good luck!

- 10 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Agency Collaboration Restores Native Fish to the wild juvenile westslope cutthroat that are currently Camas Drainage, Glacier National Park being raised at Sekokini Springs Conservation Hatch- Matt Boyer, Science Program Supervisor ery to be spawned to produce fry for restocking in Lake Evangeline and Camas Lake in the coming years. Tucked away in the cirque basins of the Livingston Range, Lake Evan- geline and Cam- as Lake form the headwaters of the Camas Creek drainage, a major tributary to the North Fork Flathead River. The Camas drainage provides secure cold-water habitat for Westslope Cutthroat and Bull Trout; however, historic stocking of non-native Yel- lowstone Cut- throat Trout several decades ago created reproducing populations of this fish, which pos- es hybridization and competition threats to native species in the watershed. From the summit of Heavens Peak, a view of the upper Camas Creek drainage and Camas Lake (foreground) and Lake Following several Evangeline. Photo credit: Jim Williams years of aquatic species and habitat surveys, fisheries crews with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Once this effort has established naturally repro- Parks and Glacier National Park teamed up in fall 2019 ducing westslope, translocations of Bull Trout from to implement a piscicide restoration project to remove suitable local donor sources can occur to create Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout from Lake Evangeline, native trout populations secure from the threats Camas Lake, and interconnected reaches of Camas of non-native fish and trending climate warming. Creek. The goal of this effort was to protect Westslope Cutthroat Trout from the threat of hybridization and to This watershed scale native trout restoration effort protect westslope and Bull Trout against habitat deg- was supported with cost-share funding from the Gla- radation occurring as a result of a changing climate. cier National Park Conservancy and Bonneville Power Administration through the Hungry Horse -Fisher Conservation of the unique genetic characteristics of ies Mitigation Program. Collaborative efforts like this Westslope Cutthroat and Bull Trout inhabiting waters demonstrate the possibility of achieving sustain- within the North Fork Flathead watershed is another able native fish conservation while enhancing fish- important objective of this effort. Following - genet ing opportunity. For the angler seeking native trout ic and disease testing to screen for potential local quarry in a spectacular alpine wilderness setting, these donor populations of native trout, crews collected remote lakes will be well-worth adding to your list.

- 11 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Investigating Illegal Fish Introductions with the statewide Kokanee Salmon broodstock. The Yel- Forensic Geochemistry low Perch eliminated the Westslope Cutthroat Trout Sam Bourret, Fisheries Biologist fishery and greatly reduced Rainbow Trout abundance. They also impacted the kokanee population to such Illegal fish introductions are plaguing recreational sport a degree that state fisheries managers had to stock fisheries and native species biodiversity across the more fish just to sustain the broodstock. In 2014, ille- globe. Illegal fish introductions, or bucket biology, are gal Northern Pike were first found in Lake Mary Ronan, a crude form of biological terrorism where individuals and in 2019 they were confirmed to have spawned in knowingly move fish species from established waters the lake. What will be the fate of Montana’s Kokanee into habitat where the fish did not previously exist. fisheries with two illegal fish introductions in Lake How does moving fish species into foreign waters influ- Mary Ronan? This is a mystery with no clear answer. ence sport fisheries and native organisms? Most fish species being illegally introduced are predators that How can this homogenization of fisheries and destruc- have dramatic effects on the entire ecosystem.- Fur tion of native species assemblages be stopped? When ther, once species become established in a waterbody, will anglers stop losing fishing opportunities in some they are extremely difficult and expensive to remove, of their favorite fishing holes? The answer might effectively residing in that system forever. Take, for have to be when these criminals are convicted for example, the illegal introduction of Lake Trout into Yel- an illegal fish introduction; perhaps that will serve lowstone Lake in the late 1980’s; Lake Trout are a vora- as a deterrent. But, for law enforcement to convict a cious predator and between the years of 1994-2004, criminal, more evidence needs to be gathered about caused native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout populations the crime. Illegal fish introductions are not usually to decline by 11% every year. Given massive efforts to detected until the fish is found by state biologists or suppress the illegal fish, native cutthroat have shown anglers, well after the crime has occurred. To gather signs of rebound, but the efforts have cost millions of evidence about a 2015 illegal Walleye introduction in dollars and the battle to save cutthroat is far from over. Swan Lake Montana, FWP, Trout Unlimited, and Wall- eyes Unlimited offered $30,000 for information lead- In Region 1 (Northwest Montana) alone, nearly 400 ing to the arrest of the individual(s) responsible for illegal fish introductions in 150 lakes have been doc- the introduction. Even with a large sum of money on umented since 1953. The criminals conducting these the table, no reliable information was gathered, and illegal activities likely think they are creating more fish- to this day, no conviction has been made for that ing opportunities closer to home. But, what they don’t introduction into valuable habitat for native spe- realize is that they are destroying the existing fisheries cies, including the federally threatened Bull Trout. and the opportunities they provide for other anglers. The good news is that with technological advances in In 1992, Yellow Perch were illegally introduced to Lake fisheries science, biologists now have a tool to identify Mary Ronan in northwestern Montana, the home to the waterbody where the illegally introduced fish was born and whether there is natural reproduction of that

Figure 1. (Left) The location where otoliths are found in a fish, under the brain (wwww.awesomeocean.com). (Right) An extracted otolith showing annual growth rings used to age the fish (www.dnr.sc.gov).

- 12 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 species in the new waterbody where they were recent- technique to deduce where the illegal fish was born. ly discovered. These data are gathered by the analysis For instance, to understand if the two Walleye caught of a calcium carbonate structure in all bony fishes head in Swan Lake were illegally introduced, we compared called an otolith (Figure 1). Otoliths are used for hear- the chemical profile of the Walleye otoliths with those ing in all vertebrates, but in fish they naturally absorb of Lake Trout captured in Swan Lake (Figure 2). The chemicals from the water where the fish lives. Through Lake Trout were used as a control, hypothesizing that if the weathering and erosion processes on the underly- the Walleye chemical profile resembled the Lake Trout ing geology of the aquatic environment, the 87Sr/86Sr (which we knew were born and lived in Swan Lake their isotope in each waterbody and river can be unique. entire lives), the Walleye would have also originated in This isotope is then absorbed in the fish otolith as the Swan Lake. But what we found was quite the contrary. fish grows in its unique chemical environment. Like tree In figure 2, the chemical signature close to the core of rings, otoliths also record the age of fish, so together the otolith is much different in the Walleye and the Lake this information can be used to deduce where and Trout. By comparing the annual rings on the Walleye when a fish was illegally introduced into a waterbody. otolith to the distance from the core that the chemical Furthermore, by comparing the chemical signature of profile resembles that of the Lake Trout, we found that the core of the otolith with lakes or rivers where ille- the Walleye were born somewhere other than Swan gal fish could originate, biologists can use this forensic Lake and were actually the result of an unauthorized placement into Swan Lake in June of 2015. To figure out which lake the Walleye were from we had the help of FWP biologists from around the state to collect otoliths from Walleye in lakes that had the most fishing pressure in Montana. The illegally introduced Walleye matched precisely with those captured from Lake Hel-

Figure 3. Comparison of 87Sr/86Sr chemicals from 3 Walleye otoliths from lakes in Montana with the largest fishing pressure. The highlighted area shows the matching chemicals of the illegally introduced Walleye from Swan Lake with those caught in Lake Helena.

Figure 2. (Top) Comparison of the Walleye (blue) and Lake Trout (red) chemical profiles. The change in the chemical profile of the Walleye com- ena, over 160 road miles from Swan Lake (Figure 3)! pared to annual growth rings showed the fish were introduced into Swan These data provide important evidence (the where Lake in June of 2015. (Bottom) Picture of a Walleye otolith showing the and when) about the crime that occurred at Swan region (green) where the data is gathered. Lake that can aid law enforcement in making an arrest.

- 13 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 The ultimate goal is to identify the who part of the evi- Gear dence. Hopefully in the future, this kind of evidence could help to link a suspect with a place and time and Whether you choose to fly fish or spin fish, light tackle lead to conviction of the perpetrator of this crime. The is the name of the game. use of fishing license sales, highway web cams, and gas receipts could be used in combination with this For anglers using spinning gear, a 4.5 to 6-foot (ft.) rod forensic evidence to help make a conviction. In addi- with 4 to 6-pound test line is ideal. Bait and lures are tion, these data give biologists information on how both effective methods for catching trout in tributary urgently to act in a case of a new population estab- streams. Lures such as Panther Martin and Hildeb- lishment. If a new fish is confirmed to have been born rant spinners and Phobe spoons are classic fare from in a lake, management biologists need to act quickly small stream trout fishing but any small spinner or to suppress and hopefully eradicate the unwanted fish spoon (1/32 oz. to 1/8 oz.) should do the trick. Gar- population before it establishes in the lake forever. den worms and grasshoppers are excellent options if you like to fish with bait. Live fish are not allowed to There are Fish in Those Cricks? Small Stream be used as bait in the Western Fishing District, regard- Fishing Western Montana Jason Blakney, Fisheries Biologist

The landscape of western Montana is defined by the epic rivers that flow through it. These rivers are fed by a seemingly uncountable number of tributaries. This summer you should take your dog or friend or kid or grandparents and go fish one of these small streams. The vast amount pub- licly accessible wildlands in this part of the state offer an endless source of small stream fishing opportunities, where low angling pressure and solitude are nearly a given.

In the Western Fishing District, tributary streams are open to fishing from the third Saturday in May through November 30. Anglers have the opportunity to catch non-native trout species such as Brown Get ‘em hooked early. A young angler fishing a small stream in the Bitterroot Mountains. Trout, Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout (native to the Kootenai River drainage and known as redbands) as well as the native Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Bull Trout are also native less of the species or stream. If you plan to fish in a and can still be found in some streams, however tar- waterbody where there are native trout or plan to geting the species is prohibited in all tributaries in release most of the fish you catch, you can replace western Montana. Due to the diversity of trout spe- treble hooks with a single barbless hook. To reduce cies you could catch in a small stream in this part of deep hooking associated with bait fishing, use slight- the state, learning to identify trout species is a must. ly larger hooks (size 8 or 10 versus size 12 or 14), and Some streams also have special regulations includ- pinch down the barb. To figure out what species of fish ing bait restrictions, catch and release, limits on the may live in the stream you plan to fish, use the inter- size or number of fish that can be harvested and/or active map and search function found on FWP’s web- seasonal closures. The FWP Montana Fishing Regula- site (https://myfwp.mt.gov/fishMT/reports/survey- tions has a guide to trout identification and will help report) or contact your local FWP fisheries biologist. you navigate the regulations on the tributary you choose to fish (http://fwp.mt.gov/fish/regulations). For anglers that choose to fly fish, a short rod (< 8 ft.),

- 14 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 light line (5 weight or smaller), short leader (7 ft.) and than making a cast into a tight spot and having your lure light tippet (5x or smaller) are best. While many choose or fly instantly engulfed by a hungry and colorful trout. to fish with dry flies in small streams, subsurface flies Another common challenge with fishing these small can also be effective. Small streams become fishable waters is the spooky nature of the fish, especially once each year on the descending limb of the spring-runoff, baseflow conditions are reached in mid-summer. Fish and the best fishing of the year often occurs during in small streams can be very wary when flows are low this period when the water is clear and still pretty high. and they are often condensed into holding water that Many species of aquatic insects are hatching this time provides the best cover. A quick movement, shadow on of year, fish are more spread-out because there is more the water, vibration from walking, bad cast or too heavy water in the stream which means more habitat and are of a lure can spook fish and ruin fishing in that pool for more willing to take bushy attractor flies. As streams a while. Generally, work upstream in a stealthy man- begin to reach baseflow conditions, smaller drab col- ner (pretend you’re hunting) while trying to minimize ored patterns will perform best. Flies in the 12-20 size splashing and shadows on the water. Trout most often range are ideal for baseflow conditions. Try an elk hair hold in an upstream facing direction because they feed caddis, grey drake, pale morning dun or yellow sally on insects or other prey being washed downstream this time of year. Terrestrial insect patterns such as with the current. If brush precludes an upstream cast, ants, beetles, crickets and grasshopper can keep your try sneaking above the pool and floating down bait and line tight mid-summer through mid-fall but be sure to a small split-shot on a leaf. If you’re fly fishing, it’s time match the size of the fly to that water you’re fishing. to practice those seldomly used techniques such as the roll cast, steeple cast or slingshot method. The terrain and forest conditions can also make small stream fishing tough. Brush, deadfall, rock outcrops/cliffs and various other obstacles make navigating along small streams difficult and potentially dangerous. Walk slowly, pay attention, carry bear spray and always let someone know where you’re going. The good thing about small stream fishing in western Montana is that you can choose the level of accessibility that meets your physical condition or vision for the day. Whether it be along the side of a logging road, down in a canyon or a few miles up a trail; there will be a pool with a hungry trout waiting.

Rewards

In the darkest depths of winter imagine Trout checking out a homemade attractor fly on the descending limb of spring-runoff. being on a babbling brook surrounded by mountains, birds singing and the sun on your back. While the rewards of fish- Challenges ing small streams are in the eyes of the beholder, solitude can be one of the best attributes of fishing Small stream trout fishing is not without its challenges. these types of waters. On most days on most streams, One of the most obvious challenges is casting. Small you’d be hard pressed to find another angler. It is streams are often brushy and filled with woody debris. amazing how time and the worries of the world melt Trying to flick a spinner or place a fly in an area the size away when you’re alone or with good company along of a bathtub or smaller is tough and takes practice. Even a stream. Problems like figuring out how to make a with ample practice, loosing lures and flies is part of the decent cast without losing your fly and trashing your deal, so don’t let it ruin your day. There is nothing better leader, or how to navigate through dense alders stands - 15 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 to get to the next pool or what section of stream to fish become the biggest issues of the day. Beyond solitude and beauty, small streams can provide really good fishing. When you can’t seem to buy a bite on your favorite river in mid- summer, head to the headwaters. Catch rates can be very high on small streams, and often times multiple fish can be caught out of the same pool or run. Most often you’ll be catching resident fish that spend their entire lives in the stream where they were born. Because these streams are small, resident fish are usually relatively small too, a 9 or 10-inch westslope cutthroat is a beast and may be five or six years old. Trout species in western Montana often spawn in tributaries so there are times and One of the many small and brushy mountain streams in western Montana loaded with hungry places where larger migratory fish trout. can be caught in smaller streams. Another advantage of exploring small streams is that you’ll often find new and exciting places for other types of recreational activities like camping, hiking and hunting. Small stream fishing is also a great way to beat the summer heat. Day time temperatures can be con- siderably cooler along a mountain stream that flows through a mature forest than in town. While it might even be 90°F on the forest road, it could be 20 degrees cooler down in the cedar forest along the stream.

If you get bored from catching too many fish or get sick of being smacked in the face by willows, bring a snorkel mask and go underwater, you’ll step into a different world you won’t soon forget. Good times and tight lines! Westslope Cutthroat Trout, the pride of many small streams in western Montana.

- 16 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 al as well. Nevertheless, it’s the difficult permits that REGION 2 we remember and spend a lot of time and energy on. West Central Montana High-quality habitat is needed to keep our outstanding fisheries. Wild trout management, for example, Habitat Protection Permitting: The Not-So- depends on excellent habitat to be successful. Relying Sexy Part of Our Job that is the Foundation of on habitat goes beyond trout, as well. Bass, North- Our Fishery Management. ern Pike, Paddlefish, Pallid Sturgeon, Walleye, you Pat Saffel, Regional Fisheries Program Manager name it…, all rely on habitat to thrive. The philosophy is that fisheries will do their best when their habi- We love to talk about the habitat we restore. We’ve tat is intact. Fortunately, Montana is blessed with an made something and have evidence to show for it. For abundance of high-quality habitat across the state. example, the stream had eroding banks, few pools and Protecting this habitat is required to continue provid- few trout. Now it has undercut banks, pools, thriving ing Montana’s excellent sport and native fisheries. vegetation, and lots of fish. What’s more, we sawit with our own eyes. The people and machinery come Two habitat protection laws are implemented by in to shape the channel and plant the vegetation. It’s a FWP’s Fish Biologists that apply to private and pub- success to be proud lic lands. The Natu- of. There are pictures ral Streambed and of before and after, Land Preservation beautiful scenery Act and Stream Pro- and lots of fish. The tection Act. These social story is appeal- laws were passed in ing too. Collabora- the 1960s and 70s. tion among people They are very similar and organizations is and with slight dif- often required so the ferences in our role story gets told mul- and who is applying. tiple times in mul- I won’t get into that tiple circles (includ- here. The similarity ing this Newsletter). is the purpose of the If a fish biologist can laws, they both state get famous, then that the streams and this is how to do it. rivers of Montana: “…be protected…in In contrast to habi- their natural exist- tat restoration, is Stream permitting is important to protect qualities of natural habitat that are impor- ing state…, except habitat protection tant to fish and properly functioning streams and rivers. FWP regularly works with as may be necessary through permitting. landowners and other agencies to do this. Some permits aren’t easy for technical and and appropriate after This includes paper- social reasons and deliberations and finding solutions can be difficult. Nevertheless, due consideration of work, meetings and Montana’s sport and native fisheries rely on this permitting so they can be around in the future. all factors involved.” sometimes requir- ing folks to change what they had their heart and even their wallet set To clarify, “natural” and “existing” may be different, on doing. Or worse, changing what they already did and this is where we might return to restoration work. (that is, they didn’t have a permit or didn’t follow If the existing condition is degraded, then returning the conditions). I’ll pause here to say that many per- it to a more natural condition is usually a good idea mits are approved “as is” or there is a cooperative and would fall under restoration. However, if the exist- approach to modifying applications. Some projects ing condition is degraded then this does not justify improve or attempt to maintain quality habitat since more degradation. Our goal is clear, to maintain or a healthy stream is often good for the project propos- improve the existing stream or river habitat conditions. - 17 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 You’ve probably already picked up on the hard part Fish Kill in the Upper Clark Fork River of permitting – allowing projects “as may be - neces Nathan Cook, Fisheries Biologist sary and appropriate after due consideration of all factors involved.” This is where we work to understand In early September of 2019, FWP received reports the purpose of the project and communicate our of dead fish in the Upper Clark Fork River (UCFR). A objectives considering the habitat and fish involved. few days after the reports, we went out to look for The result is usually a sharing of creative alterna- dead fish and investigate the cause of the mortali- tives until we reach mutual agreement that satis- ties. In one day, we counted 32 dead fish including 8 fies the project purpose and fish and wildlife protec- Brown Trout, two suckers, and 22 Mountain White- tion – a result we get to in almost every instance. fish. While this may not sound like a lot of fish, there were not many trout in this part of the Clark Fork To achieve habitat protection, we often defer to what River to begin with based on our 2019 spring electro- the authors of the law were likely thinking when they fishing (see section on the Upper Clark Fork Fishery). articulated the laws’ purpose as to protect “the natural Because the fish population was low to begin with, and existing state.” This approach recognizes that fish it is reasonable to conclude that the fish kill affected populations and communities are closely associated most, if not all, of the fish in this part of the river. to the quantity and quality of the existing habitat and properly functioning streams and rivers. And, whether or not we fully understand the interaction of the habitat and the fish, preserving the habitat should pre- serve the fish. This is remarkably consistent with say- ing of Aldo Leopold, the father of wildlife conservation:

“To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.”

As biologists, we see the existing habitat and apply our understanding of the biology (cogs and wheels, if you will) and seek the appropriate conditions for doing the project so that habitat is maintained or improved (the tinkering).

Though enacted 50-plus years ago, Montana’s stream protection laws have become more impor- Dead Brown Trout collected from the Clark Fork River near Galen. These fish were found a few days after heavy rains washed mine tailings in to tant today if we intend to maintain our valuable fish- the river. eries (which is worth almost $1 billion statewide). Pressures on habitat are increasing with population It appears that the fish kill was rather localized as the growth and development, for example. As a result, dead fish were concentrated in a two mile reach of the permitting is becoming a bigger part of our job. Clark Fork River. All of the mortalities we found were within a reach of the Clark Fork near Galen where the Habitat protection through permitting is the “in-the- banks and floodplain contain high levels of copper, trenches” aspect of our Habitat Program compared cadmium, zinc, lead, and arsenic as well as less toxic to the flashy, “show-and-tell” restoration program. metals such as iron. These contaminants were depos- Nevertheless, habitat protection is often more effec- ited in the area by a large flood back in 1908 which car- tive. For one, you don’t have to live with bad habitat ried mine wastes downstream from Butte area mines. in the first place and, two, you don’t have to pay to In some places, concentrations of these contaminants repair it. Making a difference and keeping fisheries the are so high that vegetation cannot grow, leaving bare same might seem counter intuitive, but with excel- soil. These bare patches are referred to as “slickens.” lent habitat already, that’s exactly what we are doing. Berms were constructed around slickens in the late 1980s with the goal of keeping contaminants out of

- 18 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 the river. The berms functioned pretty well for 25+ Lake Fishing Opportunities Abound in the Clear- years, but many have started to fail in recent years. water Basin Near Seeley Lake Prior to construction of these berms, fish kills in the Ladd Knotek, Fisheries Biologist UCFR were fairly common, particularly right after big rainstorms. These storms can wash slicken material The Clearwater Valley and Seeley Lake area offer year- into the river to the point where metal concentra- round lake fishing opportunities of all shapes and tions are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. The Sep- sizes. Anglers can catch everything from Largemouth tember 2019 fish kill occurred shortly after a series Bass to Westslope Cutthroat Trout and choose from of intense thunderstorms. When visiting the area, more than 20 different lakes over a 3,000 ft elevation it was clear that these rains blew out some berms range, all within a 15 mile radius of Seeley Lake, MT. and caused runoff of slicken material into the UCFR. Best advice: Just pick your quarry, choose the right The good news is that the slickens in the area of the water body, and pencil in a trip that matches the ele- fish kill will soon be cleaned up as part of the state’s vation and peak fishing season for your adventure…

Large puddle on a “slicken.” The blue hue of the water comes from high levels of dissolved copper. Photo credit: Casey Hackathorn. superfund remediation. This area is next on DEQ’s list after current work is finished on the Grant-Kohrs National Historic Site. The fish kill this fall was a stark reminder of the impacts of the area’s mining history and highlights the importance of a timely and thorough remediation of the Upper Clark Fork River.

Lake fisheries in the Clearwater Basin area near Seeley Lake, MT.

High Elevation ‘Mountain’ Lake Fishing

In summer and fall, anglers follow forest roads and trails to fish scattered high elevation ‘mountain’ lakes on both sides of the Clearwater Valley. Because of low productivity and year-round cold water temperatures, these Blue-colored rocks in the Clark Fork River that came from waters only support trout fisheries (typically Westslope aneroding slicken. Photo credit: Casey Hackathorn. Cutthroat or Rainbow Trout). Most mountain lakes form - 19 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 in glacial cirque basins and, in this area, occur at 5,700-6,800 ft elevation. Examples include Spook, Dinah and Elsina Lakes on the west side of the valley (Mission Mountains) and Crescent and Trail Creek Lakes on the east side (Swan Mountain Range).

Avid adventure seekers even cross the Swan Mountain Divide via Pyramid Pass or other routes and drop into Bob Marshall Wilderness Lakes. Although there is typically a serious elevation gain, many of these waters lie within 3-4 miles of open forest roads or established trailheads and can offer fantastic trout fishing. Examples to the east of the Clearwater Valley, just over the Swan The mountains surrounding Seeley Lake contain a number of hidden lake ‘jew- Divide, include Pyramid, Otis and George Lakes. els’ that provide great trout fishing near town.

Mid Elevation Lakes Fishing on the Clearwater Valley ‘Chain of Lakes’

Some of the best fishing for large Westslope - Cut Anglers visiting the Seeley Lake area often associate throat Trout and Brook Trout in the Seeley Lake area local lake fishing with the six larger waters that form a can be found in mid-elevation (4,200-4,800 ft.) lakes chain from north to south along the valley floor (paral- scattered around the Clearwater Valley perimeter. All leling Hwy 83). This sequence of glacial trough lakes of these lakes are easy to access (either directly or via (80-1,300 acres) begins near the subtle divide that sep- a short hike) from the open road network, are open arates the Swan and Clearwater Valleys (near Summit to manually or electric powered watercraft, and offer Lake) and continues south towards the main Blackfoot outstanding scenery. They also provide higher pro- River Valley. Good fishing on the Clearwater chain-of- ductivity than ultra-sterile high mountain lakes, typi- lakes begins with Rainy Lake at the top and proceeds cally turning out some larger fish. Fishing is produc- downstream to Alva, Inez, Seeley, and Salmon Lakes, tive year-round on these waters, but most angling which are all connected by short segments of the pressure occurs from May-October as road access is Clearwater River. Placid Lake lies just to the west and normally blocked by heavy snow during the winter its outlet enters the chain between Seeley and Salm- ice fishing season. Examples of mid-elevation lakes on lakes. Elbow and Blanchard ‘Lakes’ also lie on the in the area are Clearwater, Colt, and Hidden Lakes. Clearwater River downstream of Salmon Lake, but are really just slow, wide spots or oxbows along the river.

Upper valley lakes include Rainy Lake, Lake Alva and Lake Inez. All offer good coldwater fishing opportunity, but with different types of boat access/rules, scenery, and fishing experiences. Rainy Lake provides a quality Westslopen Cutthroat Trout fishery that is easily accessible via a ~100 yard trail from the U.S. Forest Service campground parking lot. The lake is open to any type of carry-in watercraft, as long as it is powered manually or with an electric trolling motor. Lake Alva, a larger lake located just downstream, also provides a good Westslope Cutthroat Trout fishery and trailered boat access. However, no wake regulations are now in place to provide a low key, quiet fishing and boating opportunity. Both Rainy Lake and Lake Alva have unaltered shorelines and low boat traffic as they are Mid-elevation lakes in the Clearwater Basin are easily accessible and offer excellent fishing and scenery. surrounded by public lands. The Lake Inez fishery is - 20 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 similar to the upper lakes, but restrictive boating regu- High Quality Brown Trout lations are not in place and much of the lake perimeter consists of privately owned cabins. Lakes Alva and Inez Placid Lake, Salmon Lake, and Seeley Lake also support primarily offer 10-15 inch Westslope Cutthroat Trout, trophy Brown Trout worth pursuing. Brown Trout over although smaller Kokanee are also abundant and Lake 20 inches are now common in all three lakes, with good Inez maintains low numbers of quality Northern Pike. numbers over 25 inches. Brown Trout grow to large sizes in lower Clearwater Valley waters due to higher overall productivity and abundant Kokanee, an excellent source of protein for fast growth and high body condition. Brown Trout can be caught year-round, but anglers are particularly successful fishing lake inlets and around schools of kokanne in deeper water. However, these same waters are also home to large native Bull Trout that use the same food sources and occupy some of the same habitats, so anglers should be mindful in identifying fish and carefully release all Bull Trout.

Rainy Lake is a popular valley destination for paddlers, photogra- phers, and avid Westslope Cutthroat Trout anglers.

Seeley and Salmon Lakes offer mixed coolwater fisheries consisting of trout and Kokanee, as well as introduced warmwater fish like North- ern Pike and Yellow Perch. Most anglers on these lakes target illegally introduced Northern Pike, as populations are abundant and regulations allow no limits. However, a growing number of anglers have been attracted to quality Brown Trout and Kokanee fisheries on these waters (see below). 28 inch Brown Trout caught and released in Salmon Lake. Placid Lake is the most productive water in the drainage and is managed as a diverse coolwater fishery. Although much of the lake’s fish biomass is tied up in Valley Lake Kokanee Fisheries native non-game fish (Peamouth Chub, suckers and Northern Pikeminnow or squawfish), it also provides Abundant Kokanee populations can be found in all quality fishing for Kokanee, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, of the larger valley lakes, including Alva, Inez, See- Largemouth Bass and Brown Trout. The former two spe- ley, Salmon, and Placid. The problem in upper lakes cies are stocked annually by FWP, while the latter two is that these landlocked Sockeye Salmon are a little are self-sustaining. Catch-and-release regulations for too abundant. Because Kokanee only live a few years bass and low fishing pressure on Brown Trout have sus- and rely almost solely on zooplankton and insects for tained quality fishing and some trophy-sized catches. food, they tend to stunt when things get crowded. Closer monitoring, reduced stocking rates, and liberal- ized harvest opportunities have been implemented in recent years to help improve the fishery. Efforts have

- 21 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 started to pay off in Salmon and Placid Lakes, where Flint-Rock Drainages adults are now reaching 13 inches prior to spawn- Brad Liermann, Fisheries Biologist ing. Populations in upper lakes have been slower to respond to management changes due to abundant Rock Creek natural reproduction, less harvest and lower lake productivity (upper lakes are inherently more sterile). Rock Creek is a world class trout fishery which also supports a robust native fish community including large river- dwelling Westslope Cutthroat Trout. West- slope Cutthroat Trout comprise a major component (approximately 40%) of the salmonid sport-fishery in the Upper Rock Creek drainage. While Westslope Cut- throat Trout are found in lower densities lower in the drainage, these populations still provide quality angling opportunities with angler catch rates of this species being quite high in comparison to their abundance. Understanding native fishes’ migratory behaviors is a key component of properly managing these species. Spawning migrations are obviously an important period in a native fishes’ life as the successful completion of spawning is imperative to sustaining populations. Due to the long distances commonly traveled by Westslope Cutthroat Trout to spawn in Kokanee Salmon are a popular sport fish that are relatively easy to catch once their natal tributaries, they commonly encounter dif- they reach 11 inches. ficulties in completing these migrations and may not even survive. Monitoring these migrations often iden- tifies causes for mortality/impairment that may be Easy Access and Family Fishing Opportunities improved via restoration such as screening an irrigation diversion or removing a culvert barrier. Identify- A common question to FWP from parents and anglers ing key spawning habitat also allows managers to bet- with limited mobility: Is there a place that’s close ter protect these habitats and may provide a way to where I can take my kids or easily access good fishing identify and prioritize areas in need of restoration or from shore? One frequent answer is Harpers Lake. land acquisition/easement projects. Radio telemetry This small glacial pothole lies right off Highway 200 on was the chosen method used to understand spawning the Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area migrations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Rock Creek. (B-C Game Range), about 10 miles south of Seeley Relocations from the 2018 and 2019 radio telemetry Lake. Harpers Lake is stocked generously and frequently with larger trout from FWP hatcheries in the region. It is not unusual for anglers to catch a number of 1-2 lb Rainbow Trout and Westslope Cutthroat Trout, and occasional- ly, a 10 lb retired brood fish right from the shore near the parking lot. Anglers can also fish the entire lake perimeter or launch a small watercraft as long as it’s - pow ered manually or with an electric motor.

Resource Violations are Serious Crimes and You Can Stop Them!! Call 1-800-847-6668 or contact your nearest FWP office as soon as possible. The toll-free number is available Harpers Lake is an easily accessible, year-round trout fishery that is stocked frequent- 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ly with catchable trout and trophy-sized, retired ‘brood’ fish from the FWP hatchery system.

- 22 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 in 2021 to better understand these factors. A graduate student from the University of Mon- tana is assisting with completing this research.

Georgetown Lake

Following the fish kill observed in spring 2018, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks monitored dissolved oxygen levels closely at Georgetown Lake in 2019. Measurements indicated that dissolved oxygen concentrations were again lower than normal and were nearly as bad as those observed in 2018. Ice also stayed on Georgetown Lake longer than normal in 2019 which can cause dissolved oxygen conditions to further deteriorate. Fortunate- ly, no fish kills were observed during spring 2019.

Snowpack was very good in 2019 allowing oper- Westslope Cutthroat Trout implanted with a radio tag in Rock Creek- notice the ators to easily fill Georgetown Lake to full pool. thin antennae dangling behind the fish. This also allowed operators to maintain good efforts yielded some interesting results. Multiple tribu- water levels going into winter 2019. This should taries were identified as key spawning tributaries with provide for excellent overwinter conditions in George- those located in the middle and upper portions of town Lake this winter and hopefully excellent overwin- the Rock Creek Drainage being most used by spawn- ter survival of trout and salmon. Montana Fish, Wild- ing fish. Interestingly, multiple fish also used the lower life & Parks staff will again be monitoring dissolved portions of larger tributaries to spawn which wasa oxygen several times over the winter to ensure that surprise to biologists. Generally native trout spawning habitat conditions are acceptable for trout and salmon occurs primarily in upper portions of drainages where survival. Current snowpack in the Georgetown Lake the highest quality habitat is typically found. Dur- area is below normal so hopefully further snow is accu- ing implantation of radio tags, fin clips were taken off mulated to provide adequate water to fill Georgetown each fish to assess genetic purity of tagged fish due to Lake this spring. Gill netting to assess fish abundance Westslope Cutthroat Trout commonly hybridizing with and size structure is completed every other year at non-native Rainbow Trout. Results of these genetic Georgetown Lake and will be completed in Fall 2020. analyses in 2018 and 2019 showed that fish classi- fied as adult Westslope Cutthroat Trout caught in Rock Creek were commonly non-hybridized fish. This was another result that was surprising to biologists.

These results showing that a high proportion of radio tagged Westslope Cutthroat Trout were non-hybridized led to a shift in study objectives in 2020. The new focus is on understanding how a large portion of this population is avoiding hybridization. Meth- ods we are using to assess this includes a combination of radio telemetry and tributary genetic analyses to determine how Westslope Cutthroat Trout appear to be avoiding hybridization both in terms of the timing of spawning and the locations they select for spawning. Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout and hybrids of these species were tracked in 2020 and will continue to be tracked Georgetown Lake Kokanee caught during 2020 gill-netting that is 15 inches in length. - 23 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Bitterroot ated by Montana Department of Natural Resources Jason Lindstrom, Fisheries Biologist and Conservation (DNRC) that can store approximately 32,000 acre-feet of water. An acre-foot is the amount of This past year was a time of change for fisheries man- water it takes to cover one acre of land, one foot deep. agement in the Bitterroot Valley. Longtime fisher- While the reservoir was originally constructed in 1939 ies biologist Chris Clancy retired after more than 30 to store irrigation water for farm lands in the Bitterroot years of dedicated service to the aquatic resources Valley, a unique agreement between agricultural users, of the basin. Jason Lindstrom replaced Chris as the government agencies and conservationists in 2004 new management biologist in June of 2019. Jason allows FWP to reserve 15,000 acre-feet of water each brings more than a decade of fish management expe- year for the purpose of instream flow in the mainstem rience to the Bitterroot from his previous position with Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) in Montana’s Upper Clark Fork Basin. Jason was raised in the Bitter- root Valley and is excited to return to the area that means so much to him and his family. He looks forward to working with the numerous stakeholders with interests in the watershed to protect and improve aquatic resources.

While this may not be news to many anglers who frequent the Bitterroot River, it has become an extremely popular place to fish. During the average summer season (May-September) the mainstem Bitterroot River and its forks (the East Fork and West Fork) see over 60,000 angler days. That’s a lot of fishing trips in a five-month period! What also may not be news to many people is that water is the lifeblood of a fishery. Painted Rocks dam. Especially a trout fishery like the Bitter- root River. Without an adequate amount of cold, clean of the Bitterroot River. Agricultural users, represented water, the fishery suffers. In many large rivers in west- by the Painted Rocks Water User Association (PRWUA), ern Montana, drought conditions in the summer can have an additional 10,000 acre-feet of water that they lead to low flows, high water temperatures and low can store and release each year to help meet down- oxygen levels, all of which can limit trout survival, espe- stream irrigations needs. All releases are administered cially native species like Westslope Cutthroat Trout and by the Bitterroot River Water Commissioner who is Bull Trout. During these times, FWP is often required to tasked with making sure FWP and the agricultural users initiate “hoot-owl” restrictions to limit fishing activity receive their contracted water when they call for it. to the morning and early afternoon hours to reduce stress on angled fish. This is done when flows drop to FWP’s instream flow water stored in Painted Rocks predetermined levels or water temperatures rise to Reservoir is typically not called on until mid-to-late 73º F or higher for three consecutive days. Fortunately, July, but this is dependent on things such as remain- in the Bitterroot, we are rarely forced to implement ing snowpack and the amount of spring moisture that these sorts of restrictions. That is because we have was received. Ideally, we like to hold on to the water an ace in the hole, sort of speak. That “ace” is Painted for as long as possible to ensure there will be enough Rocks Reservoir located approximately 20 miles up the to meet downstream flow targets in the late summer. West Fork of the Bitterroot River, southwest of Darby. Ideally, we like the water to be available through Sep- Painted Rocks is a 600-acre reservoir owned and oper- tember, because by this time many agricultural users

- 24 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 have stopped irrigating and the weather pattern has Blackfoot River Fishery Update shifted to cooler temperatures. The critical reach that Patrick Uthe, Fisheries Biologist and Craig Podner, Conservation we try to keep flows in during the summer is the main- Technician stem of the Bitterroot River upstream of Bell Crossing (north of Victor). Historically, this reach has struggled Every two or three years, FWP personnel use drift boat most with summer flows. Ideally, we try to maintain electrofishing units to assess trout status and trends a flow rate of 400 cubic feet per second (cfs) atthe in the mainstem Blackfoot River. We shock the river as Bell Crossing Bridge. However, in years when water is flows increase with runoff, but while the river is still in short supply, this can be tough to do. FWP meets safe to float (2,500 cfs – 8,000 cfs). Two crews survey each spring with the PRWUA, DNRC, and the Bitterroot simultaneously, but independently, along each bank. Water Commissioner to come up with a realistic flow Many fish seek slow-water refuge along the stream target given the water year that is forecasted. In years margins when discharge increases during runoff, so of shortage we often find it necessary to lower the flow shocking near the banks enables us to capture enough target. If we don’t, we run the risk of running out of of the population to generate a population estimate. water before the summer is over. While the Painted Rocks water is a great source of instream flow, it is not We survey three long-term monitoring sections – a bottomless bucket. Each year in late June or early Johnsrud, Scotty Brown, and Wales Creek. The John- July FWP receives inquiries about when water will be srud and Scotty Brown sections have been surveyed released from Painted Rocks Reservoir. Often these since 1989 and the Wales Creek section has been sur- inquiries come from people fishing and recreating on veyed since 2002. Our surveys rely on mark-recapture the West Fork of the Bitterroot River. As spring runoff techniques. We electrofish the section, marking each subsides and flows drop to levels that make floating fish with fin-clip, and then resample the same section difficult, requests come in asking the department to a week later. During the recapture event, we are able release water from storage. However, it’s important to identify fish that were marked in the original sam- to remember that the stored Painted Rocks water isn’t pling event. We can estimate population size using for recreation flows on the West Fork. Often flow and models that incorporate the proportion of marked to temperatures are still okay in the mainstem of the river unmarked fish in the recapture event. This provides us and it is in the best interest of the Bitterroot fishery with abundance estimates, so we can assess changes in to hold on to the stored water a little longer to guard species composition and population size through time. against running out in late summer. Over the last 15 years, the Bitterroot River has survived a number of Long-term trends in overall trout abundance have drought years and remained open to fishing despite remained relatively stable (Figure 1). Estimates in 2019 FWP initiated closures on other rivers in the region. were similar to long-term averages within each section. The trend in the Johnsrud section shows a slight decrease, but the 2019 estimate was only slightly lower than the long-term average (average=713 trout/ mile). However, it was very similar to the estimates from the previous surveys since 2014. Since the late 1980s, Westslope Cutthroat Trout have increased dramatically in the Blackfoot River (Figure 2). Weattri- bute this increase to harvest restrictions implemented in 1990 and the systematic restoration of priority tributaries in the basin over the past three decades. Fish in the mainstem river migrate to the tributaries to spawn. Their offspring spend 1-3 years in the tributaries before migrating to the mainstem Blackfoot River or Clark Fork River to mature prior to returning to spawn in their natal tributaries. Therefore, improving passage, habitat quality, and spawning and rear- Bitterroot River Brown Trout captured near Bell Crossing that benefited ing habitat in the tributaries are effective strategies from instream flows provided from Painted Rocks Reservoir. for improving trout abundance in the mainstem river.

- 25 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 of them assigning back to the North Fork Blackfoot. We also had some that assigned to Monture Creek. Interestingly, a couple of them assigned to Rock Creek, which provides further evidence of large-scale, inter-basin movements in the upper Clark Fork drainage. Other interesting life history information gathered in this year’s survey were age and growth data from PIT-tagged fish. As part of the Milltown Dam removal evaluation, Bull Trout were PIT tagged in the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers from 2010 through 2015. We captured two Bull Trout this year that were originally tagged in 2012. The fish were 20-22 inches long when they were tagged in 2012. Although they both grew only 8 inches in length to Figure 1. Abundance estimates and 95% confidence intervals for trout with lengths reach current lengths of 28 and 30 inches, greater than 6 inches (species combined). Asterisk denotes years in which a particular one grew 8 pounds and the other grew section was not sampled. 5 pounds! These individuals are prime examples of biological benefits that these Biologists rely on size structure data to make inferences migratory trout gain from rearing in tributaries and about survival of different year-classes, as well as the then migrating to large rivers to grow and mature. overall recruitment to the fishery. Looking at Figure 3, an initial observation is the presence of multiple size (age) classes. Of particular note, is the large proportion of the total catch that is comprised of 6-10 inch fish, which are sub-adult fish. This indicates recent year-classes had high survival and are recruiting to the fishery. Furthermore, this suggests that anglers should continue experiencing quality fishing as this sub-adult size class grows and matures. Anglers should also note the presence of fish greater than 20 inches for all species! Reports from anglers in 2019 indicated high catch rates, and based on the size structure in these surveys, good fishing with the Figure 2. Abundance estimates and 95% confidence intervals for Westslope Cutthroat opportunity to catch quality-sized fish Trout with lengths greater than 6 inches. should continue into the coming years. A common question from anglers is, how old are these The mainstem surveys also provide a great opportu- large Bull Trout? Fish ageing is typically assessed by nity to capture and evaluate adult Bull Trout. Recent analyzing scales or otoliths (inner ear bones) and view- developments in genetic technology enable biologists ing cross sections under the microscope, much like to assign captured bull to their tributary of origin. This reading like the growth rings on a tree cross section. is a viable technique because Bull Trout have a strong Bull Trout ageing studies have not been conducted in homing rate, which causes individuals to have unique the Blackfoot, but we can look at studies conducted genetic signatures among spawning tributaries. We elsewhere and use age-at-length keys to estimate the captured 44 Bull Trout in the 2019 surveys, with most age of the fish we caught. We know that they have

- 26 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Fish and Fire

If you are a regular angler on the Black- foot, you likely experienced abnormally turbid conditions throughout the summer and early fall. Many large rainfall events occurred in the middle section of the watershed that burned in the 2017 Rice Ridge Fire. Periodic storm events in early summer caused noticeable increases in turbidity, but the largest increase occurred in late- July when a massive thunderstorm in the Monture Creek drainage caused landslides and debris flows in tributaries to Dunham Creek (Figure 4). Exces- sive sediment can suffocate incubating eggs and cause direct mortality to fish Figure 3. Length frequency histograms for trout captured in the Scotty Brown Section, 2019. from gill abrasion. However, not all the effects from fire and increased sedi- survived for at least seven years since they were origi- ment are negative. In nutrient-poor nally tagged, so we can add those years to their esti- streams, the nutrient-rich sediments can boost prima- mated age at tagging. Age and demographic studies ry productivity and insect production, which increase have been conducted in eastern Oregon, the Flathead food availability for fish populations. For example, fol- River drainage, and St. Mary’s River. In those studies, lowing the Snow Talon Fire in 2003, Westslope Cut- the 20-22 inch size class was estimated between 6 and throat Trout and Bull Trout populations in Copper 8 years old. Based on those studies, we estimate that the Bull Trout we handled were likely 13-15 years old when we captured them this year, and those weren’t even the largest Bull Trout encountered in our surveys! This is a strong confirmation that Bull Trout in the Blackfoot are surviving to very large sizes and old ages. With the threatened status of Bull Trout and the longevity of individual fish, it really highlights the importance of doing everything we can to help Bull Trout and eliminate any con- trollable sources of mortality. Anglers are reminded that intentionally targeting Bull Trout is illegal in the Blackfoot watershed, and all inciden- tally caught Bull Trout must Figure 4. Debris flow in Spruce Creek (Left, Credit: Forest Service). Sediment deposition in Dunham Creek be released immediately. following the disturbance upstream in Spruce Creek (Right, Credit: FWP).

- 27 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Creek (upper Blackfoot drainage) experienced signifi- tures and lack of frequent precipitation. Fortunately, cant increases in abundance, which was attributed those same storms that created unfavorable fishing to increased stream productivity following the fire. conditions also improved flows and moderated- tem peratures in the Blackfoot River. Although temperatures remained elevated through early August, they did not reach the critical threshold for implementing angling restrictions (maximum temperature of 71 degrees for three consecutive days). Restoration partners, including the Big Blackfoot Chapter of Trout Unlimited, The Blackfoot Challenge, and state and federal agencies work with private landowners to restore habitat and implement water conservation measures. Furthermore, The Blackfoot Challenge works with water users in the basin to develop individual drought response plans as a proactive measure to conserve water and irrigate more efficiently. In addition to working with private landowners to develop fish habitat projects, FWP works to improve aquatic resources on department-owned lands. A recent Figure 5. Installing the new ditch liner before the 2019 irrigation season. example is the lining of the Dryer diversion ditch that conveys irrigation water from Cottonwood Creek to pastures on the Another storm in September caused a debris flow Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA. Prior to lining in 1995, the in Yellowjacket Creek, a tributary to upper Monture ditch experienced a 90% water loss between the point Creek. This caused elevated turbidity and sediment of diversion and the point of use. Since 1996, the water input throughout Monture Creek. Anglers should be savings has been converted to instream flow to prevent aware that more sediment will likely be mobilized dewatering in Cottonwood Creek. During the excep- in the future when flows increase and entrain sedi- tionally high runoff in 2018, overland flow damaged ment that was deposited along the margins and in the irrigation ditch and destroyed a large section of slow water habitats (Figure 4). Given the potential the liner. We were able to repair the ditch and reinstall increase in turbidity outside the normal runoff sea- approximately 2,500 feet of new liner in 2019 (Figure 5). son, the unpredictable nature of these disturbanc- es may catch anglers off-guard. Please stay in tune Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex Restoration with changing conditions, and if they disrupt your original plans, take the opportunity to experience With many great restoration projects occurring in the some of the other excellent fishing opportunities basin, it can be hard to pick one project to highlight, but on the many tributaries and lakes in the watershed. for this year’s newsletter I want to focus on the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex (UBMC). This has been a top Water Conservation in the Blackfoot priority since the tailings dam breached in 1975. The dam failure released 100,000 tons of toxic mine tailings As the snowpack continues to develop through the that became deposited in the river channel and flood- winter, it’s a good time to reflect on the previous plain. Fish numbers were severely depressed through- water year. The Blackfoot River experienced an ear- out the upper Blackfoot River, and the most heav- ly, but above-average runoff in 2019. However, after ily impacted tributaries and upper river sections were runoff subsided, discharge was well below the medi- devoid of aquatic life. In 2009, Montana DEQ, Mon- an for most of the summer. We kept a close eye on tana NRDP, and the USFS initiated cleanup and com- river conditions because of the elevated tempera- pleted a water treatment plant. Since that time, over

- 28 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 one million cubic yards of contaminated material have been removed and hauled to the repository! The restoration and mine waste removal has been completed downstream of the water treatment facility to the Pass Creek marsh. For more information about project background, upcoming plans, and project updates visit the MT DEQ website (https://deq. mt.gov/Land/statesuperfund/ubmc). In September, we conducted post-restoration surveys in a few sections that were completed earlier in 2019 (Figure 6). We were pleasantly surprised to find fish in areas of the upper Blackfoot River that had not supported fish since 1975. We captured multiple Brook Trout and a Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Fish presence in these recently completed sections is very encouraging, and we are excited to Figure 6. Beartrap Creek below the dam in 1975 (left) and Beartrap Creek after restoration monitor fish expansion throughout the in 2019 (right). UMBC impact area over the next few years.

HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES

Your watercraft must be inspected if: • You encounter an open inspection station. • You are coming into Montana from out-of-state. • You are traveling west over the Continental Divide.

HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES

- 29 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Upper Clark Fork Fishery Brown Trout population was estimated at 69 fpm in Caleb Uerling, Fisheries Biologist 2020, down from 67 fpm in 2019. It should be noted that confidence intervals on this estimate were large due to Every year FWP samples fish populations along the poor efficiency. We have only monitored this section Upper Clark Fork River (UCFR) at long-term monitoring since 2010, but the 2019 and 2020 estimates were sites. We use the long-term dataset as a tool to moni- well below the 10 year average of 244 fpm. We then tor trends in fish populations, these data can answer go to a section downstream of Deer Lodge where the many questions we have about the fishery. One of those questions is simply ‘how do the fish populations Brown Trout population estimate was 225 fpm in 2020. look compared to the long-term average?’. In my area This site has been monitored since the 1970s, with the of the UCFR, we have five long-term sites from Warm 225 fish estimate from this year being slightly below Springs Ponds down- average for this section. The stream to Gold most downstream section Creek. We primarily we monitor is upstream monitor Brown Trout of Gold Creek, and the at these sites, as Brown Trout population they make up most was estimated at 263 fpm. of the trout fishery. Cutthroat and Rain- This section has been bow Trout are pres- monitored since 2008 and ent in low densities, has generally had between but we generally 200 and 600 fpm. This years catch too few to cal- estimate of 263 fpm was culate a population slightly below average, but estimate. Mountain well within the range we Whitefish and sev- have observed since 2008. eral non-game spe- It should be noted that the cies are also found in this reach of the three most upstream sites Clark Fork River. Sampling the Upper Clark Fork River while remediation is ongoing in the background. had the lowest estimates on record in 2019, numbers How are Fish Numbers in the Upper Clark Fork River? were slightly higher in 2020, but remain well below average. The decline in fish At the upper most section below Warm Springs Ponds, numbers started in 2015, and hit a low point in 2019. the Brown Trout population estimate for 2020 was 136 fish per mile (fpm). This was slightly up from the 70 Explaining the Numbers fpm estimate from 2019 (lowest on record), but is still well below the long term average. Additionally, the last The UCFR has a variety of issues that influence the fish five years at this site have been five of the lowest seven population. Some of the main issues include chronic estimates we have had at this site since monitoring dewatering and low flows, contamination due to past started. The average estimate for this site has been mining practices, water temperature, and detrimental 1,265 Brown Trout per mile since the 1970s, but the land use practices. However, tying the declining fish general trend since the mid 1980s has been downward. numbers to one specific variable has been difficult. The next section as we move downstream is just above The most drastic declines have been in sections Perkins Lane, Brown Trout were estimated at 111 fpm nearest Warm Springs Settling Ponds, but this area has in 2020, up from 13 fpm in 2019. This site was only historically supported some of the highest densities. recently added to our long-term monitoring, but the Understanding the relationship between variables in estimate was well below what we would expect for this the ponds and fish numbers is an ongoing effort. Trout reach. The next section is upstream of Deer Lodge, the numbers in the UCFR have been relatively variable

- 30 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 compared to other rivers, but one variable that has explained some of the variability is flow. In the past, fish recruitment has been highly predictable based on what kind of water year we had three years previously. For instance, higher flows one year is related to higher recruitment of trout three years later. However, recent recruitment estimates (2018 and 2019) have deviated from that trend, causing concern that there are other issues impacting the fishery in ways they haven’t in the past (Figure 1). With the exceptional water years over the past several seasons we will have a great opportunity to see how the fishery responds because recruitment is predicted to be high in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Muddying the waters is the effect of mine waste in the floodplain entering the river and causing fish kills. In 2019 a large September thunderstorm near Galen washed mine contaminants into the Figure 1: The percent of age 3 fish recruiting to the fishery in our section below Warm river. Dead fish were observed in the river for Springs Ponds plotted against the minimum flow from the year three years prior. Blue tri- angles represent the last two years of data that have deviated from the red trend line. Black several weeks. It is likely these fish kills might circles represent the predicted recruitment for the next three years based on the past three have been taking place for several years as berms years of minimum flow data. that were designed Warm Springs to Garrison. To date in the 1980s to two phases near Warm Springs keep contaminants and two near Racetrack have out of the river been cleaned up and re-opened began to fail. It is to the public. DEQ began work on unknown whether two more phases on the Grant- fish kills alone are Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site responsible for near Deer Lodge in 2019, and the the declining trout work is ongoing. DEQ plans to be finished with these two phases in populations or if one the coming year, they will then of the other variables move upstream to begin clean- that impact the UCFR ing up the area impacted by the could be the cause. fish kill upstream of Galen. How- ever, growing concern over failing Remediation of the Straw bales used as the base for berms re-built along a slicken on the Clark fork River near berms and contamination enter- Galen. Upper Clark Fork ing the river in phases that will not be remediated for years, FWP and The good news is the UCFR is currently being cleaned other stakeholders took action. In early summer 2020, up as part of the nation’s largest superfund complex, FWP, The Clark Fork Coalition, and NRDP began inven- with individual sites ranging from Butte to Missoula. In torying areas of heavy contamination (known as slick- 2012 the Montana Department of Environmental Qual- ens). Individual slicken locations were mapped, and the ity (DEQ) and The Montana Natural Resource Damage risk level of that contamination entering the river was Program (NRDP) began cleaning up the heavy-metal assessed. Guided by this evaluation, NRDP began con- contaminated soils in the floodplain and banks of the structing and repairing berms around the areas that UCFR. There are 22 phases of this cleanup spread from posed the highest risk to the fishery in late summer 2020.

- 31 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 River Access Improvements on the Clark Fork the Department of Environmental Quality, was funded River Upstream of Missoula by the NRDP and FWP for infrastructure improvements Caleb Uerling, Fisheries Biologist and Rory Zarling, Fishing Access and is now managed as an FAS by FWP. This site con- Site Manager tains a large fishing pond and about a mile of walk-in riverfront access. Development of the site was completed in 2019 and included enhancing the pond for History of Fishing Access Sites on the Clark Fork River better fishing opportunity and trout habitat, install- Upstream of Missoula ing a latrine, parking, and a boat ramp on the pond. The pond has been stocked with Westslope Cutthroat Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Fishing Access Trout and sterile Rainbow Trout. Fishing on the pond Site (FAS) program has been robust on rivers near Mis- will be open to bank anglers and small watercraft pow- soula for a long time, including the Clark Fork River (CFR) ered by electric trolling motors. Future plans for the between Missoula and Rock Creek. However, even as site include possibly developing a small boat launch on recently as ten years ago the CFR further upstream was the river to provide access for small watercraft such as sparsely populated with developed (boat ramp, park- kick boats. Another access site FWP has been involved ing, latrine, etc.) FASs. For example, on the 23 river with recently is Arrowstone Park on the south side miles between Missoula and Rock Creek FWP has three Deer Lodge, MT. Fishing access facilities including a developed FASs, on the 100 miles of the CFR upstream parking lot, boat launch, and latrine. The site is owned of Rock Creek FWP had only two developed FASs five by Powell County. Recently, a memorandum of under- years ago. It is reasonable that the upper reaches of standing has been signed by FWP and Powell County the CFR have fewer FASs as it is a smaller river that can in a cooperative effort to more efficiently manage the sustain less recreational pressures, but several more fishing access facilities at the boat launch location. sites were needed. The long distance between access points was limiting access, causing unreasonably long float distances, and encouraging river recreationalists Future Projects to pioneer sites on public property and right of ways. FWP has spent about 750,000 of the original one mil- Recent Developments in the FAS Program lion dollars awarded by NRDP to develop FASs on the CFR upstream of Missoula. There are enough funds In 2013 the Montana Natural Resource Damage Pro- remaining to develop one or two more FASs, and sev- gram (NRDP) awarded FWP one million dollars to fur- eral priorities remain on the CFR. The most immediate ther develop the FAS program on the upper CFR. One priority that will be addressed is the pioneered access goal FWP had for this money was to prioritize sites that site known as the “Vet Clinic”. The site sits between could fill the gaps between current FASs (including non- Arrowstone Park and Kohrs Bend FAS. The plan for the FWP owned sites), hopefully alleviating some of the site is to decommission the current pioneered site and access issues on the upper CFR. The most downstream develop a permanent fully-developed FAS several hun- selected site developed was Bearmouth FAS, between Schwartz Creek FAS (near Clinton, MT) and Drummond dred feet further upstream. The FAS will include a boat FAS. Development of Bearmouth FAS included a latrine, launch, parking lot and latrine. Anglers should expect parking and a boat launch. The site was completed this project to be done sometime in 2020 or 2021. After in 2019 and is within reasonable floating distance of the Vet Clinic FAS is completed the plan is to use the an undeveloped Bureau of Land Management access remaining funds on an FAS near Garrison, MT. To date point upstream. The next site moving upstream was a site has not been selected but there appears to be the Gold Creek FAS. The site sits right between the several options in the area. Once the remaining funds Drummond FAS and Kohrs Bend FAS. The property are fully spent on site development FWP will evaluate was acquired about three years ago and development the FAS program on the CFR upstream of Missoula to of the site was completed in 2019. The site is situated about five miles upstream of the county-owned determine if more site development is needed. Jens access site on Dunkleberg Creek Rd. The most upstream project completed is the Racetrack Pond FAS near Racetrack, MT. The 272-acre parcel is owned by

- 32 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 CENTRAL FISHING DISTRICT N A 0 25 50

Miles

Location of District

�

«' FWP Managed Fishing Access Site

Areas excluded from fishing districts. D Additional regulations may apply. Other federal or tribal permits may be required.

The Central Fishing District includes all waters in Montana east of the Continental Divide, (including the Belly and St. Mary's River drain ages) and west of the following described boundary: Interstate 15 from the Montana-Canada border south to its junction with Hwy 2 at Shelby, then east on Hwy 2 to Chester, then south on Hwy 223 to State Hwy 80 at Fort Benton, then southeasterly along State Hwy 80 to its junction with State Hwy 81, then easterly on State Hwy 81 to its junction with U.S. Hwy 191, then northeasterly along U.S. Hwy 191 to its junction with State Hwy 19, then south on State Hwy 19 to its junction with U.S. Hwy 87 at Grassrange, then south on U.S. Hwy 87 to its junction with U.S. Hwy 12 at Roundup, then west on U.S. Hwy 12 to its junction with State Hwy 3 at Lavina, then south on State Hwy 3 to its junction with Interstate 90 at Billings, then easterly and southerly on Interstate 90 to the first crossing of the Little Bighorn River, then southerly along the west bank of the Little Bighorn River to the Montana-Wyoming border.

Note: Roadways that are used as boundaries between the Central and Eastern Fishing Districts are interpreted to be in the Central Fishing District.

For additional information regarding the boundaries in this fishing district, please call the following regional headquarters Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:

Billings ...... 4 06-247-2940 Bozeman...... 406-5 77-7900 Butte A1·ea Office...... 406-494-1953 Great Falls ...... 406-454-5840 Helena Area Office...... 406-495-3260 Lewistown A1·ea Office...... 406-538-4658 TTY (Telephone device for the deaf)...... 711 or 1-800-253-4091

- 33 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 The rotary screw trap was operated near the mouth REGION 3 of Deep Creek ten years between 2003 and 2019. We found that juvenile Brown Trout numbered between Southwest Montana 300 and 9000 annually. Also, about 400 to 5000 young Rainbow Trout were delivered to the Missouri River. About 20% of the young rainbows showed deformities Tributaries and Rivers: Exploring the Connection due to whirling disease (32% in 2005 and 7 to 18% in Ron Spoon, Fisheries Biologist recent years). Trout production varied widely between years, but numbers improved when summer flow was For many, tributary streams are an afterthought. An enhanced from 2013-19. The percentage of older Rain- angler may pass by several small streams when trav- bow Trout migrating to the Missouri River increased eling to favorite fishing rivers without much notice. after the summer flow improvement project, indicat- Some boat anglers, however, are likely to slow down ing that the healthier tributary provided better habitat when they approach the confluence of tributaries and for young trout to spend an extra year in Deep Creek. big rivers. Beside the benefits of cool water, veteran anglers sometimes notice a bump in trout numbers near these streams.

Likewise, FWP biologists spend more time working on tributaries than the fishing pressure on a small creek might otherwise warrant. One tributary to the Missouri River near Townsend, Deep Creek, has been monitored to determine its contribution to the Missouri River for nearly 20 years. One of the tools to understand the role of this tributary has been a 5 ft diameter rotary screw trap – a large rotating “sieve” that discards debris and safely holds small fish traveling downstream. It turns out that there is a lot going on, ecologically, when a tributary flows high and muddy. Rotary screw trap on Deep Creek near Townsend, MT.

Biologists previously knew In addition to counting trout, opening the catch box that a few thousand Rainbow Trout enter Deep Creek of the screw trap provided insight into the many other for spawning during the spring, and a few hundred aquatic organisms that drift from the creek to the river. Brown Trout do the same in the fall. We didn’t know Some years found crayfish to be abundant, but other- the number of juvenile trout that return to the river wise rare. The native stonecat was not a full-time resi- from this process. We also had no idea how other fish dent in the tributary, but apparently move in and out species used this tributary that was re-connected to of the creek during June, and the catch has increased the Missouri River by modifying an irrigation system in significantly in recent years. Adult Mountain White- 1991. fish did not spawn in Deep Creek, but juvenile white-

- 34 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 eye documented in Deep Creek was discovered in the screw trap in 2019 -- a non-spawning subadult that traveled into the tributary and was caught on the way back to the river.

Placing a device in a stream that acts as a large, rotating sieve filter- ing debris from aquatic life during spring runoff begins to tell a story about the biologic contribution of a small watershed. The process often generates more questions than answers, but always reminds the observer that fish were surprisingly captured during three of the 10 a wide variety of aquatic life in a big river is enhanced years of evaluation. Longnose Dace were the most by the connection to feeder streams. consistent visitor to the trap box. And, the first Wall-

Pedestrian Bridge at Cobblestone Fishing Access Site Jay Pape, Fishing Access Site Manager

In Region 3, the FAS Program built a new pedestrian bridge over the Darlington Ditch at the Cobblestone FAS. In a cooperative agreement between the Madison-Gallatin Chapter of Trout Unlimited (MGTU), NorthWestern Energy and FWP, the aging log stringer bridge was replaced by two new bridge sections spanning 60 feet.

Design & Construction provided surveys and site plans while Dave Moser and Jay Pape were able to secure funding for the bridge materials after several site vis- its with MGTU President, Kris Kumlien. The contributions from NorthWestern Energy were used for the minor excavation and crane work needed to swing the four 30 foot beams into place.

The new bridge is a welcome access improvement to hunters, anglers and all who visit this very popular, 190-acre site on the Madison River. Construction was finished in August of 2019.

- 35 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Big Hole River Mountain Whitefish to perceptions that whitefish populations may be on Lance Breen, Fisheries Technician the decline in some areas. In order to better understand whitefish populations, biologists have col- Mountain Whitefish are an important native spe- lected additional data and conducted mark/recap- cies located in many of the cold-water river systems ture population estimates to help monitor trends in Montana. While they are a member of the trout and guide future management of this species. family, they often do not receive as much attention and admiration as other members of this family In the Pennington section of the Big Hole River, which such as cutthroat, rainbow, brown, and Brook Trout. is located near Twin Bridges, population estimates were obtained for Mountain Whitefish in 2009, 2011, So why should we bother monitoring whitefish? One and 2019. The data shows that over this 10-year times- reason is the canary in the coal mine sort of scenar- pan, the whitefish population has shown some fluc- io. An observed significant decline in whitefish num- tuations, but no significant overall decline. Estimates bers can potentially be an indicator of larger concerns ranged from 1,339 fish per mile in 2009, to 1,570 that may affect the entire fish community in the river. fish per mile in 2019. An apparent jump in the pop- Understanding what is going on with the whitefish population estimate to 2,108 fish per mile in 2011 was ulation is an important part of evaluating the health of largely influenced by a large age class of 2-year-old the river as a whole. Small whitefish can also be uti- fish (7.0-9.9 inches total length) observed in that year. lized as forage by some of the larger fish in the river. In the Melrose section of the Big Hole River, Mountain From an angling perspective, anyone who has spent a Whitefish population estimates were obtained in 2012 significant amount of time on the Big Hole has come and 2019. In 2012, whitefish density was estimated to across those days when the only fish that seem to be be 2,737 fish per mile. In 2019, densities were estimat- willing to bite are whitefish. While it may not be the ed a bit lower at 2,137 fish per mile. While this does most frequently targeted species, these fish can defi- show a slight drop from 2012 to 2019, without any nitely save the day and keep an angler from getting historical data to compare with, it is difficult to deter- skunked. In addition, whitefish are delicious when mine if this is an acceptable natural fluctuation in either cooked or smoked and regulations are more population size or if it is something that is more indica- liberal for this species than others in the river. From tive of an actual slow long-term decline in the white- December 1 through the third Saturday in May, much fish population. Additional data collection and moni- of the Big Hole River is catch and release only for trout. toring in future years will help answer this question. However, an angler may still keep whitefish during this period and take home some quality meat to put in the smoker.

Historical data pertaining to the population density and structure of Mountain White- fish in the Big Hole River is much more incomplete compared to that of more studied species such as Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Much of this historical data is anecdotal rather than scientifically collected. In recent years biologists have put forth a greater effort to monitor whitefish Estimated population density and biomass of Mountain Whitefish in Melrose section of Big Hole River populations in rivers through- 2012 and 2019. out the state. This is in response

- 36 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 How does this compare to the trout numbers in per mile. Similar to Pennington, whitefish remained these same sections? For the period from 2009-2019 much more abundant in this section than trout. in the Pennington section, the combined numbers of rainbow and Brown Trout averaged across sam- With the baseline data that is now being collected on pling years from 2009-2019 was estimated to be 720 Mountain Whitefish populations, biologists are begin- fish per mile. Over this timeframe, whitefish num- ning to develop a better comprehension of the popu- bers were nearly double to triple the number of lation dynamics related to this native fish. After many trout. In the Melrose section, the combined numbers years of being considered somewhat of an afterthought, of rainbows and browns averaged across sampling biologists are now paying more attention to this impor- years from 2012-2019 was estimated at 1639 fish tant species and the role they play in our fisheries.

Estimated population density and biomass of Mountain Whitefish in Pennington section of Big Hole River 2009, 2011, and 2019.

Dillon Area Fisheries Update Jarrett Payne (CCAA Riparian Ecologist), Ryan Kreiner (Native Fish Biologist), Lucas Bateman (Fisheries Technician), Tim Gander (Native Fish Technician), Holden Reinert (CCAA Technician), and Matt Jaeger (Program Manager)

Recent population declines in the Beaverhead and Ruby drainages have resulted in more focused research and regulation changes. Over the past decade Burbot in Clark Canyon Reservoir have decreased in average size, which is a possible indication of higher than healthy rates of angler harvest. As a result, a new regulation is in place that requires anglers to release all fish less than 23 inches long. Twenty-three inches is an important number because it ensures that virtually all Burbot of this size will have had at least one chance to spawn. In Clark Canyon Reser- voir most Burbot reach sexual maturity at around 3 years old, at which point all fish are less than 23 inches long. In 2007 about 62% of the population was comprised of fish over 23 inches and 3% of the fish were over 28 inches. However, the percentage of fish over 23 inches dropped to 44% in 2012 and 38% in 2017 with no fish over 28 inches observed. So, how long does it take a Burbot to get to 23 inches? About 10% of the population will reach this length after four years; however, the average fish doesn’t get that long until it’s about 9 years old. This new regulation will ensure angler harvest doesn’t adversely affect future recruitment by overharvesting small immature fish in this self-sustaining native fishery and that good numbers and sizes of Burbot persist into the future.

- 37 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 We’ve also noticed fewer fish overall and especially folks had good fishing this past year. Moreover, the low fewer large fish than we’d expect to in our rivers. In both population size in the Beaverhead still resulted in more the Beaverhead and Ruby rivers overall Brown Trout fish over 18” than we’ve observed in 15 years, although abundances or the proportion of fish over 18 inches a similar response was not observed in the Ruby. are typically correlated with years of good streamflow. A good water year can result in a strong cohort of new Conservation programs for Westslope Cutthroat fish, but because it takes between 4 and 5 years for Trout and Arctic Grayling have been continu- trout to reach 18 inches, it takes several consecutive ing to gain momentum over the past year and good water years to produce a large proportion of big have experienced some breakthrough successes. fish. Based on evaluation of datasets spanning between 20 and 50 years, we’d At the turn of the 19th cen- expect that about tury, Westslope Cutthroat 20% of the popula- Trout (WCT) were the most tion should be over abundant and widespread 18 inches in the upper trout species in Montana Beaverhead given the west of the Continental relatively good over- Divide; however, WCT were winter discharges that also native in some drain- have occurred during ages east of the divide. the last 5 years. How- These fish, which were first ever, the proportion described by the Lewis and of big fish has hovered Clark Expedition in 1805 around 5%, which con- near Great Falls, have also stitute historic lows. been referred to as Upper In previous years this Missouri River Cutthroat. would typically mean Distribution and abun- the population was dance of WCT in Montana simply made up of A very large Brown Trout from a late fall electrofishing survey on the Beaverhead has declined significantly in many small fish but River. the past 130 years, especially overall abundances in the Missouri River drainage of Brown Trout have been at about two thirds of the where genetically unaltered WCT are estimated to per- long-term average the past three years as well. A simi- sist in less than 5% of the habitat they once occupied. lar pattern has been observed on the upper Ruby River In the Beaverhead, Red Rock and Ruby River drainages where overall abundances were at near historic lows WCT conservation populations (>90% pure) persist and the proportion of Brown Trout over 18 inches was in 12% of their historic range. Within this same area, less than 5%, even though we’d expect it to be much genetically unaltered WCT (100% pure) remain in only higher based on the way the population has responded 3% of their historic range and are typically isolated in in the past to the discharge regimes we’ve experienced small headwater streams. The conservation goal for the past several years. Overall, these patterns suggest WCT in the Montana Statewide Fisheries Manage- that something other than discharge has been driving ment Plan is to restore secured conservation popula- the population recently. We conducted some prelimi- tions to 20% of their historic distribution. Populations nary fish health sampling and will more closely inves- are considered secured when they’re comprised of tigate age-specific growth rates over the coming year at least 2,500 fish in 5 or more miles of stream with to attempt to gain a better understanding of what new no immediate threats. To reach this goal WCT distri- factors may be influencing abundance. FWP has also bution needs to double within the Beaverhead, Red partnered with USGS to help evaluate whether similar Rock and Ruby sub-basins and about 300 stream patterns and population drivers occur in Brown Trout miles need to be reclaimed by secured populations. populations throughout Montana or are local factors are more responsible for declines. The silver lining is WCT are in a dire situation because of multiple threats that both streams still have populations of 750 to 1,000 including predation, competition, and hybridization Brown Trout per mile and, despite low abundances, from non-native trout, reduced distribution, low abun-

- 38 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 dances, poor habitat conditions and spatial isolation. be individually genotyped to ensure it was genetically Over the next 100 years most remaining WCT popula- unaltered. Post-project monitoring designed to evalu- tions in Montana face a high risk of local extinction if ate the genetic diversity of the new Greenhorn Creek remaining populations are not protected and secured. population began in 2019. This work, which is part of a While it may be impossible to return to historic distri- University of Montana graduate study, will assess the butions and abundances, there are different manage- long-term evolutionary potential of the progeny of the ment actions that can be implemented to help reverse original donor fish and help us understand how restor- the species decline. WCT populations can be protected ing populations by translocating fish compares to other from non-natives by constructing barriers to upstream approaches like propagation. Over 500 WCT produced fish movement. Oftentimes piscicides like rotenone are in Greenhorn Creek by the original donor fish were used in conjunction with fish barriers to remove non- sampled in 2019 and 2020, indicating there were suc- natives and expand or restore WCT populations. WCT cessful spawns in 2016 and 2017. Genetic monitoring expansion projects like these require time, money, will continue for an additional year or two to determine coordination and boots on the ground. However, with whether more fish should be moved to improve diver- adequate funding and coordinated efforts between sity, but it appears the population is well on its way multiple agencies and other groups it is possible to to becoming self-sustaining and successfully restored. reclaim certain streams for WCT. Peet Creek flows north out Two such WCT con- of the Centennial Moun- servation projects tains and enters the Red are currently near- Rock River upstream of ing completion in Lima Reservoir. Two exist- southwestern Mon- ing Peet Creek impound- tana’s Greenhorn ments served as fish and Peet creeks. barriers, which allowed treatment of 11.4 stream Greenhorn Creek miles to remove hybrid- flows west out ized fish in 2013 and 2014. of the Green- The treatment was evalu- horn Mountains ated in 2015 and deter- and enters the mined to be ready for upper Ruby River reintroduction. Two Cen- upstream of Ruby tennial Valley streams with Reservoir. A man- small populations of at- made concrete risk but genetically unal- fish barrier was Genetically unaltered WCT reintroduced into the Greenhorn Creek project area tered WCT were selected constructed dur- during 2016. as donors. To avoid harm- ing the fall of 2012 ing the donor popula- on DNRC land near the confluence of the South and tions, population size is determined each year and no North Forks of Greenhorn Creek. Genetically unaltered more than 10% of the fish are moved. To date, 250 fish WCT from Dark Hollow Creek and the Meadow Fork of have been transferred from these donor streams into Greenhorn Creek were salvaged and about 26 stream Peet Creek. Monitoring in 2019 and 2020 found that miles were then treated with rotenone to remove all donor fish are successfully reproducing, and genetic non-native fish upstream of the barrier in 2013 and samples were collected to determine the diversity 2014. In 2015 the project was evaluated by electrofish- of young fish spawned in Peet Creek. Monitoring, ing and testing water samples for fish DNA throughout and likely translocation, will continue but Peet Creek the drainage to verify all non-natives were successfully appears to be another success story in the making. removed. Greenhorn Creek was repopulated with WCT between 2016 and 2018 by translocating 682 fish from These two projects significantly increased the WCT six southwestern Montana populations. Each trans- population within the Red Rock and Ruby River drainag- ferred fish was held in its donor stream until it could es; Peet and Greenhorn creeks increased the distribu-

- 39 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 tion of genetically unaltered WCT by 50% and reduced habitat for grayling on private land and provides regu- the total amount of habitat to be reclaimed to 270 latory assurances for landowners if grayling become miles. Projects like these continue to bring the state listed as endangered species. Currently, thirty-two pri- of Montana closer to achieving its WCT conservation vate landowners and 148,320 acres are enrolled in this goal and show just how attainable it is in the future. CCAA program. Cooperative projects between landowners and agencies have vastly improved riparian hab- The Big Hole and Centennial Valley 2020 field season has itat and instream flows in the Big Hole River drainage. certainly been a busy year for the Arctic Grayling Recov- ery Program team (AGRP). We’re now fully staffed with The 2019 water year was especially challenging due to the addition of Ryan Kreiner as the new Native Species a short runoff period and low summer water availabil- Biologist (formerly the fisheries management biolo- ity from higher elevations; however, the Big Hole River gist in Thompson met its flow targets because Falls), Tim Gander of all the private landowners as the new Native that turned back irrigation Species Fisheries water as part of the commit- Technician, and ment they made to the CCAA Holden Reinert as program and Arctic Grayling the new Riparian conservation. The grayling and Fisheries Hab- seemed to have noticed; itat Technician. 2019 fall surveys resulted in Montanans are the one of the highest num- fortunate to have bers of young-of-the-year the last native (YOY) grayling on record. populations of Arc- tic Grayling in the During the 2020 field sea- lower 48 states. son we completed over 75 Grayling, nick- miles of riparian assess- named the “Sail- ments in the Big Hole, com- fish of the North,” pleted over 300 on-site are characterized A beautiful, Big Hole Arctic Grayling from spring sampling. compliance checks for irri- by their large, sail- gation, returned 163 CFS like dorsal fin that to the river, and collected displays nearly all colors of the rainbow. Grayling were 158 grayling YOY samples for genetic monitoring. We historically found throughout the upper Missouri River met flow targets 78% of the time this year, which watershed, but populations declined to 4% of that range was a slight improvement from last year (76%). How- by the 1990s. This decline is attributed to loss of habi- ever, lack of rain in August and September certainly tat, introduction of non-native species, and overfishing. made for a very challenging year to keep the river Active management plans have been implemented to open for angling. A fishing closure for the upper Big sustain the presence of this unique, native fish in south- Hole was instituted on 9/15/20 due to flows drop- west Montana. Two distinct grayling populations reside ping below 20 CFS at Wisdom. Fishing was reopened in the upper Big Hole Valley and the Centennial Valley. on 10/5/2020 following seven days over 40 CFS.

Following declines throughout the 1990s, the largest We will have completed 20 habitat projects for the year native fluvial grayling population was found in the Big in the Big Hole by December! Specifically, we’ve con- Hole River drainage. To help conserve this population, structed two new river fence crossings that are friend- FWP partnered with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, ly for boaters, completed five streambank restoration Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, projects (restored ~3,750’ of streambank), replaced six and Natural Resource Conservation Service to create old head gates to improve instream flows, constructed the Big Hole Candidate Conservation Agreement with two new stock tanks, installed two new solar panels Assurances (CCAA) in 2006. The CCAA creates agree- for livestock watering, drilled one new livestock well ments with private landowners to provide water and for livestock water, repaired on livestock well pump,

- 40 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 installed three new fish ladders, and lastly finished refugia habitat on Elk Springs and Long Creek in 2021. three fencing projects (~4000’ of new riparian pasture fencing). Of these 20 projects, three are notable to While work on private lands is critical to expand and mention. Two of these projects restored over 3,200’ of maintain Centennial Valley grayling, the population streambanks on the Big Hole River and French Creek in driver most critical to their long-term viability occurs the Big Hole Watershed (see photos below). The aim in Upper Red Rock Lake on Red Rock Lakes National of these projects was to address substantial sediment Wildlife Refuge. Grayling using Upper Red Rock Lake erosion and promote function floodplains for enhanc- experienced a 80% population decline following a ing Arctic Grayling habitat. In addition, these projects severe winter in 2016 that depleted oxygen and, resul- have many habitat benefits for natives (Westslope Cut- tantly, suitable habitat throughout the lake. A partner- throat Trout, Burbot, Mountain Whitefish, etc.) and ship was developed between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife non-native fish. The final project was the construc- Service and FWP to evaluate how to provide habitats tion of the new Huntley Diversion, which replaced a with adequate depths and oxygen concentrations and dilapidated pin and plank diversion that was unable in 2019 the agencies contracted an engineering firm to to be controlled irrigation flows effectively. The find potential solu- new Huntley Diversion now provides greater tions for the win- irrigation management and instream flows. ter habitat problem, one of which, A Centennial solar aeration, was Valley CCAA, piloted last winter. similar to Unfortunately, the the one pre- aerator failed to viously men- provide adequate tioned in the overwinter habitat Big Hole, and further analy- was imple- sis and design mented French Creek Side Channel. of an alterna- in 2018 to tive to route aer- make tribu- ated water from a tary popula- tributary stream tions more to deeper parts resilient and of Upper Lake five private CEBR before. occurred in 2020. landowners have since enrolled. The CCAA team is work- In addition to ing with landowners on over 10,000 acres of the aforemen- private lands. This year we installed four new tioned conserva- measuring devices for irrigation withdrawals tion programs and and installed four new headgates to improve actions, grayling instream flows and irrigation efficiency. The are often “re- team is still working with several private land- CEBR after. introduced” into owners on enrollment into the program. This streams or lakes. field season the AGRP team notched five large active Reintroduction is implemented using fertilized eggs beaverdams in the spring, completed 25 miles of new in remote stream incubators (RSIs- artificial nests) or riparian assessments, and performed all compliance by stocking live grayling which are raised in a hatch- checks for landowners with irrigation compliance. This ery for a year. Reintroduction is used to establish new partnership will help ensure cold water and suitable populations or infuse genetic diversity into existing habitat are available for future generations of gray- populations. The results have been mixed, but in gen- ling in the Centennial Valley and we look forward to eral, RSIs work best in streams and stocking live fish addressing three new future projects to enhance win- works better in lakes. But how do biologists- deter ter habitat in Upper Red Rock Lakes and spawning/ mine an appropriate source for reintroduction efforts?

- 41 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 In 2020, FWP biologists and volunteers from five regions set out to collect a sub- sample of genetic clips from each of these remaining grayling lakes. The objective of the study was to determine the genetic origin of these populations and if any of these lakes could be used to establish new brood populations, or if the lakes themselves could be used for future reintroductions in the Red Rock or Madison River drainages. In addition to genetics, other factors to consider are access, catchability, and elevation. Grayling are spring spawners and fish in higher mountain lakes spawn later than fish from lower elevations. Therefore, pairing brood lakes with reintroduction sites that have similar elevations would increase Grayling lakes help. the likelihood of success for arti- ficially spawned eggs which need to be placed In the 1990s, FWP established two brood lakes directly in the for grayling using wild fish from the Big Hole stream in an RSI. River. With few exceptions, these are the pri- It does not work mary fish used for reintroduction projects in to use a lower the state. This includes projects outside of the elevation popula- Big Hole River itself, such as the Madison, Gall- tion which spawns atin, and Ruby Rivers. In certain cases, wild fish in mid-May as from the formerly robust upper Red Rock Lake a brood source population were used to attempt re-introduc- for a high elevations within that drainage. Utilizing Big Hole tion stream which fish to re-seed waterbodies in the Red Rock is still buried in River was not appropriate due to unique genet- snow by mid-June. ic compositions of both populations. However, The timing needs because of the recent decline in the Red Rock to be correct. Lake population a new brood source is needed. Grayling lakes hike.

At the beginning of the 20th Century, Montana Arc- In total we collected grayling genetic clips from 20 tic Grayling were widely propagated and distributed populations. The sites ranged in access from road- throughout the west. Fish were stocked in many lakes side lakes to remote wilderness cirques. Sampling throughout Montana and approximately 20 of these conditions varied from hot and sunny to blizzard- populations remain today as wild reproducing fish. like. It is unknown if any of the remaining lakes Originally, Red Rock River fish were the primary source will contain fish of a single genetic origin. The ini- of these propagations but over time some of these pop- tial results are anticipated this winter and will be ulations received supplemental stockings with fish orig- applied to management decisions beginning in 2021. inating from the Big Hole and/or the Madison Rivers.

- 42 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Ennis Area Fisheries Update the newly founded Ruby Creek Westslope Cut- Nick Larson, Fisheries Technician throat Trout population. We were pleased to see that fish have distributed themselves throughout Despite the difficulties presented by 2020, we in the the 7.5-mile reach and have started reproducing. Ennis fisheries field office had a very productive year on the Madison River. Despite major hurdles we completed our annual electrofishing survey of the upper Madison River this fall which showed an increase in the percentage of trophy fish and a good crop of age ones that will hopefully move through the population in the coming years and keep the Madison fishing strong.

Crew carrying out work on South Meadow Creek.

We began the season by finish- A happy Nick Larson displays a juvenile Arctic Grayling ing up a stream from Moose’s Creek. restoration project on South Meadow Creek, Young-of-the-year Westslope Cutthroat Trout a tributary to from Ruby Creek. Ennis Lake. Near- ly a mile of trout spawning habitat was created as well as reestablishing a connection between lower and middle sections of the creek for spawning trout.

On the native species front, in late May and early June, we collected grayling eggs from native brood populations and began to distribute them into remote site incubators on Blaine Spring Creek and Moore’s Creek tributaries to the Madison River. This year we were lucky enough to put out around 140,000 eggs at each site and for the first time in a long time we recaptured six young-of-the-year grayling just below the introduction site on Moore’s Creek.

We conducted mapping and barrier assessments on Teepee Creek in anticipation of a piscicide - treat ment and a subsequent native fish reintroduction there soon. Good things are happening with Angler hooked up on the Madison River. - 43 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 where spawning does not occur far enough upstream REGION 4 all the larvae perish and no recruitment occurs. Past research efforts have been hindered by the North Central Montana small sample size of wild produced Pallid Sturgeon that remained in this stretch of the Missouri river. Middle Missouri River Luke Holmquist, Fisheries Biologist Pallid Sturgeon do not reach sexual maturity until 15-20 years of age, so it wasn’t until recently that Pallid Sturgeon Recovery - that some hatchery origin fish have become capa- Morony Dam to Fort Peck Reservoir ble of reproducing. As more and more of these fish reach maturity, FWP and our partners are provided The Missouri River between Morony Dam and Fort with a better opportunity to investigate the envi- Peck Reservoir provides habitat for the furthest ronmental and biological conditions that are condu- upstream population of endangered Pallid Sturgeon cive to successful spawning and natural recruitment. in the Missouri River watershed. Like downstream populations, little to no natural recruitment has been One tool we use to monitor Pallid Sturgeon repro- observed in the last 60-plus years. Recovery efforts ductive ecology is radio telemetry. Upstream of Fort have included a very successful stocking program that Peck Reservoir we currently have radio transmitters began in the late 1990’s. The high survival rate of these implanted in five wild Pallid Sturgeon and sixty-eight hatchery origin fish has greatly reduced the threat of hatchery-origin Pallid Sturgeon (fifty-three individu- extinction for the near future. However, much work als from the 1997 year-class, and ten younger year- remains for recovering this amazing species. Natu- class fish). These tagged fish are tracked by a combi- ral reproduction has never been documented in nation of boat reconnaissance and 15 remote data the Middle Missouri River, and additional research logging ground stations on the riverbank from Fort and monitoring are needed to inform management Peck Reservoir upstream to Morony Dam near Great actions that could result in successful recruitment. Falls, including the lower Marias and Teton Riv- ers. The information obtained from these efforts The “smoking gun” responsible for the lack of recruit- give insight into the links between available habitat, ment by Pallid Sturgeon in the past six or seven environmental conditions, and the behavior of the decades is a combination of the Pallid Sturgeon’s fish, which in turn improves our understanding of early life-history and the large dams that have been what is necessary to recover this prehistoric species. constructed on the Missouri River and major tributaries. When a Pallid Sturgeon spawns the fertilized eggs adhere to the bottom of the river, at or near the spawning site, and after hatching the - lar vae will freely drift downstream while absorbing the nutrients in their yolk sac. After their yolk sac is absorbed they “settle out” on the bottom of the river and begin feeding on their own. This drift period can last between 9 and 17 days and is estimated to cover distances between 150 and 330 miles. When these larvae drift A remote radio telemetry station on the bank of the Middle Missouri River near Carter Ferry. into the upper ends of reservoirs they encounter a zone with very slow-moving water that has very little dissolved oxy- For example, radio telemetry data collected during gen and the larvae essentially suffocate. In instances the spring of 2018 showed that mature Pallid Stur-

- 44 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 geon migrated from Fred Robinson Bridge and into appears to have resorbed her eggs. Despite no tagged the Marias River during a period of elevated discharge Pallid Sturgeon being documented to enter the Marias in the Missouri and Marias rivers. In previous years River in 2020, the experimental flows provided benefi- spawning activity by the Pallid Sturgeon was limited cial flows for spawning migrations of other native spe- to the lower part of the river immediately upstream cies including Shovelnose Sturgeon and Blue Suckers. of Fort Peck Reservoir, where there is not enough drift distance for the drifting larvae to survive. However, if Another tool that we utilize for researching Pallid Stur- spawning were to occur in the Marias River the dis- geon reproductive ecology is larval sampling. Larval tance available for larval drift would exceed 180 miles, sampling entails an anchored boat with fine mesh nets potentially allowing for recruitment to occur. This suspended in the current to capture the drifting stur- information has led to FWP working collaboratively geon larvae as they move downstream. Sampling for with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the agency that these larvae is done to document successful fertiliza- manages outflows at Tiber Dam, to adjust the timing tion and hatch. FWP crews sampled for drifting larvae, and magnitude of releases of Tiber Dam in a way that or “free embryos”, downstream of suspected spawn- more closely mimics the natural flow regime and the ing locations and in the Marias River in 2020. Crews hydrograph in 2018 that attracted Pallid Sturgeon. sampled 307 drifting sturgeon and paddlefish larvae In 2020, FWP monitored reproductive movements and downstream of Fred Robinson Bridge across four sam- spawning success of three mature female hatchery-ori- pling occasions. We focused our larval sampling effort in the Marias River to document the influence of Tiber dam releases on sturgeon reproduction. We collected 722 free embryos in the lower Marias River near Loma. Genetic testing is used to determine which, if any, of the 1029 free embryos sampled are Pallid Sturgeon, as the vast majority of larvae sampled will be shovelnose sturgeon or paddlefish. A genetically confirmed Pallid Sturgeon larvae in the Marias River would be a major milestone on the road to recovery and would confirm that a non-radio-tagged Pallid Sturgeon had used the river to spawn in 2020. These genetic A young-of-year sturgeon captured with a benthic trawl in the results are still pending from the 2020 field season. middle Missouri River. Fisheries Surveys - Morony Dam to Fort Peck Reservoir gin Pallid Sturgeon in response to experimental flows at Tiber Dam. Unfortunately, no radio tagged Pallid Stur- Every year, FWP Region 4 staff conduct electrofishing geon entered the Marias River during the 2020 spawn- surveys on the Fred Robinson, Judith Landing, Coal ing season. That is not to say that one of the many Banks, Fort Benton, and Morony sections of the Mis- untagged Pallid Sturgeon did not migrate up the Marias souri River. Surveys have been conducted in these River. One of the three tagged females did make a rap- areas since the 1980s and were standardized in the id upstream migration in the middle of June, where the late 1990s. Boat electrofishing is the primary sampling apex of her Missouri River migration was a mere 16 method for assessing long-term trends in catch rates miles below the confluence with the Marias River. At of Sauger, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, the apex of her migration the Missouri River discharge and Smallmouth Bass. The fish community in these was decreasing, and she returned downstream to the sections is very complex with a multitude of predator- usual spawning reach. Post-spawn reproductive assess- prey dynamics and competition among species occur- ments showed that two 1997 year-class female Pallid ring. Additionally, annual environmental fluctuations Sturgeon had spawned, likely within 20 miles upstream in water temperature and discharge also influence of Fred Robinson Bridge. This represents the third con- species abundance and distribution. Long-term trend secutive year on record where spawning was docu- data for many species shows that catch rates were low mented in this reach of river (the first occasion being during the drought years of the 2000s but were fol- in 2018). The third individual moved very little and lowed by an increase in catch rates in the good water

- 45 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 years that followed (starting in 2011), with record high and third most age-0 Sauger on record, respectively. catch rates being observed for most species until a few The results indicate the potential for a strong 2020 years ago. Catch rates trends in 2020 were variable and year-class. The three prior years also saw bumps in discussed in detail below but generally we continue to age-0 Sauger during electrofishing surveys and catch see reduced catch rates for many species, similar to rates of age 1+ Sauger in the Robinson reach was the what we have seen the past few years. The declines second highest observed in the past 10 years indicat- that have taken place in recent years are typical of the ing those fish are recruiting to the adult population. self-regulating nature of popu- Walleye catch rates were above long- lation dynamics, term averages for Fred Robinson section, the interactions but were below the long-term averages between differ- for the other sections. Age 1+ Walleye ent species, and were most abundant in the Robinson changing envi- section contrary to past years where ronmental condi- Walleye were becaming more abundant tions. Long-term as sampling progressed upstream. Wall- data sets such eye were sampled at 2.1 fish/hour in the as these, help Robinson Section and FWP get a better had an average size of 14 Fisheries Technician Mike Schilz understanding with a large Walleye caught inches and 1.1 pounds of the variables during standard sampling in the (both are below the that impact pop- Morony Section of the middle long-term and 5-year ulation trends. Missouri River. averages). However, Walleye up to 30 inches Catch rates for Channel Catfish were above were sampled in both the 20-year average in all sections below Coal the Coal Banks and Rob- Banks. Channel Catfish were sampled at 9.77 inson Sections during fish per hour in the Robinson Section which 2020 sampling efforts. is 1.7 times greater than the 20-year average. Channel Catfish in this section averaged 22.8 We continue to see the inches and 4.7 pounds and catfish exceeding highest catch rates for 30 inches and 13 pounds are common. Catch Smallmouth Bass in rates in the Morony and Fort Benton Sec- all reaches upstream tions have declined to less than four fish per of Judith Landing, hour, the lowest since 2011, following a peri- Fisheries Technician Mike Schilz with a couple of nice although the Moro- od of record highs (22.0 and 18.5 fish/hour, Smallmouth Bass caught during standard sampling ny Smallmouth Bass respectively) from 2013 to 2016. Although in the Coal Banks Section of the middle Missouri catch rate has declined River. we have experienced declines in catch rates to 12.6% of the 2015 the average length of Channel Catfish in all record high and Fort sections is greater than 22 inches for the first time Benton has declined to 18.7% of the 2016 record high. since 2006 and has been steadily increasing since 2012. The lower catch rates are similar to those seen prior to the 2013-2017 boom in the upper sections across Sauger catch rates increased as sampling efforts moved all species and for Smallmouth Bass a strong (2011 downstream with our highest catch rates being record- and/or 2012) year class phasing out of the popula- ed in the Judith Landing and Robinson sections (9.8 tion. Despite those reductions, the upper portion of fish/hour in both sections), which was slightly below the Missouri River still offers an excellent opportu- the 20-year average (10.8 fish/hour). Sauger average nity for anglers to catch good size Smallmouth Bass. length was near the long-term average for all sec- In 2020, the average size for Smallmouth Bass above tions except Morony and increased as sampling efforts Judith Landing was over one pound, with some fish moved upstream. Fall electrofishing efforts near Judith weighing up to 3.5 pounds in the Coal Banks Section. Landing and Fred Robinson Bridge found the second

- 46 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Northern Pike catch rates have returned to their relative- cies. The most commonly targeted species reported ly low historical levels after the record highs observed was Channel Catfish, with 20.8% of all anglers fishing in 2018. Historically Northern Pike were uncommon in solely for this species. Rod fishing was the most com- the Middle Missouri River, but following other recent mon angling method, followed by snagging specifically high-water years (2011, 2014, and 2018) an uptick in for Paddlefish. Worms were the most commonly used Northern Pike catch rates was observed. Northern Pike bait with 30% of all anglers using exclusively worms. were found throughout the river during fall sampling in 2020 but were most abundant near Judith Landing Goldeye were the most frequently caught fish spe- (1.6 fish/hour) where the average size was 20.6 inches. cies with a catch rate of 0.20 fish/hr. Catch rates for Channel Catfish and Walleye were the highest Shovelnose Sturgeon relative abundance is evaluated among game fish species caught at 0.14 fish/hr and with a summer trammel netting effort. Shovelnose 0.02 fish/hr respectively. Interviewed anglers caught Sturgeon catch rates are typically the highest at Fred 412 Freshwater Drum in 2019, a record high during Robinson Bridge and near Coal Banks. In 2020, Shov- creel years. Sauger catch rates were the lowest ever elnose Sturgeon catch rates at Coal Banks were the recorded at <0.01 fish/hr and only 39 total fish were highest observed since 2006 (10.3 fish/net). Much of caught. However, due to ice jam related flooding in the Shovelnose Sturgeon spawning activity happens the spring, river access was limited during the period upstream of Coal Banks. As a result, most of the fish of time that the majority of Sauger were caught dur- found in this section are mature fish and the size dis- ing past creel surveys. Additionally, the flooding made tribution is skewed towards larger individuals. In 2020, several access points inaccessible and kept the creel the average Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Fort Benton clerk and anglers from being able to easily access and Section was 33.6 inches and weighed 7.3 pounds. Last camp along the downstream portion of the creel sur- year a 39.7-inch 15.2 pound Shovelnose Sturgeon was vey near Fred Robinson Bridge in the early spring. The netted in the Fort Benton Section, a fish large enough 30 miles around Fred Robinson Bridge is where angler to break the current state record by over a pound. Sauger catch rates have been highest in recent years, The lowest section, Fred Robinson, is where recently and is also the area that past telemetry studies indi- hatched Shovelnose Sturgeon larvae settle out after cate many Sauger utilize for spawning. Interestingly, drifting from spawning locations in the Marias River, zero anglers reported targeting Sauger specifically, and Teton River, or the Missouri River near Coal Banks. only 24% of all anglers reported targeting Walleye and/ Those young fish seem to spend the early year of or Sauger as part of their targeted species for the day. their lives in the lower sections and as a result there is a wider distribution of the lengths of fish that are The creel survey also provided an excellent oppor- caught in the area compared to further upstream. tunity for Pallid Sturgeon outreach and gave anglers an opportunity to provide comments on their fishing Missouri River Creel Survey 2019 - Morony Dam experience. This year, FWP received 129 public com- to Fort Peck Reservoir ments. Of these comments, 39% were in support of Nathan Beckman, Fisheries Technician and Creel Clerk the current status of the Middle Missouri fishery and recent FWP management, and 25% were suggestions A roving creel survey was conducted on 201.2 miles for changes in regulation or management. The remain- of the Middle Missouri River from April 18 to Sep- ing 36% of responses were mostly suggestions or tember 27, 2019. The Missouri River Creel Survey comments intended for other agencies or other FWP has been conducted every four years since 2003. In regions or divisions. The most commonly suggested 2019, a record high of 741 anglers were interviewed regulation change was to increase the Sauger limit. for a total of 5,435.7 hours of fishing. In 2019, there were 215 motorized boats and 311 non-motorized Montana FWP Region 4 would like to extend our craft observed during the survey; both of these num- appreciation to anglers for taking the time to respond bers are the highest observed among creel years. This to the 2019 creel survey while fishing the middle study found that 94.3% of anglers surveyed were resi- Missouri River area. This survey provides impor- dents of Montana and most were from counties close tant information on catch rates, fishing methods, to the study area. Over 50% of all anglers interviewed fishing pressure, and angler demographics that are had no target species or specified multiple target spe- vital for informing future management decisions.

- 47 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Missouri River FWP has conducted seining surveys between Cascade Jason Mullen, Fisheries Biologist and Great Falls for twelve consecutive years to evaluated young-of-year Walleye production. Overall, the number The Missouri River Craig section Rainbow Trout and of young of year Walleye has been highly variable, but Brown Trout populations were below average in relatively low in most years. In 2019 and 2020, one juve- 2019. The estimate of Rainbow Trout 10 inches long nile Northern Pike was sampled each year, representing and greater in the Craig section was 2,860 per mile the first Northern Pike sampled during these surveys. in 2019. The estimate of 2,860 fish per mile was the lowest since 2010 and 84% of the long-term average Several other Northern Pike have been observed by of 3,391 fish per mile based on annual estimates since FWP personnel and anglers have also reported catch- 1982. The estimate of Brown Trout 10 inches long ing Northern Pike from the Missouri River between and greater in the Craig section was 390 per mile in Holter Dam and Ulm in 2018 through 2020. In 2019, the 2019 compared to the long-term average of 568 per Fish and Wildlife Commission approved changes to the mile. Numbers rebounded in 2020, with estimates of Northern Pike regulations downstream of Holter Dam 3,247 Rainbow Trout and 422 Brown Trout 10 inches that went into effect March 1, 2020. Northern Pike reg- and greater per mile. Rainbow Trout condition was ulations on the Missouri River from Holter Dam down- the second highest on record in 2020, as measured by stream to Black Eagle Dam changed from the standard average relative weight. Rainbow Trout less than 10 regulation of 10 daily and in possession to No Limit. This inches were extremely abundant during sampling in regulation change is intended to encourage harvest fall 2020, with the highest percentage of fish handled given the increased abundance throughout the system between 6 and 10 inches over the period of record. and is consistent with regulations already in place in the Missouri River and reservoirs upstream of Holter Dam. Similar to the Craig section, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout population estimates for 2019 were also below Belt Creek average in the Cascade section. Rainbow Trout 10 inches long and greater were estimated at 1,104 per mile Regional staff periodically monitor trout compared to populations at four sites in Belt Creek as the long-term part of mine waste clean-up activities in the average of Dry Fork and Carpenter Creek drainages. 1,588. Brown Monitoring sites were sampled in 2020 and Trout 10 inch- data are still being processed. Prior to that es long and the monitoring sites were most recently greater were estimated at 238 per mile compared to the long- term average of 390. Numbers Missouri River ice jam, upstream of Mountain Palace rebounded in Fishing Access Site on February 27, 2019. the Cascade section in 2020 as well, with estimates of 1,698 Rainbow Trout and 291 Brown Trout 10 inches and greater per mile.

While at substantially lower abundance than Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, Burbot and Walleye are also sampled during electrofishing surveys at both sites. In 2019, Burbot ranged from 8 to 32.7 inches, with the largest weighing 6.5 lbs. Walleye ranged from 4.9 Missouri River after ice breakup, upstream of Mountain Palace Fishing Access Site on March 28, 2019. Ice height was estimated at approximately 12 ft based to 29.3 inches, with the largest weighing 11.75 lbs. on the 11.7 ft long dip net.

- 48 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 sampled in 2016 and 2017. The most upstream site, At the Eagle Creek site, the total number of trout upstream of Neihart had approximately 483 total trout 8 inches long and greater was 633 per mile in 2020, per mile 6 inches and greater, most of which were which is similar to estimates over the last five years Westslope Cutthroat Trout. At a monitoring site down- and similar to the long-term median of 662 trout per stream of Neihart, there were an estimated 435 total mile. The number of Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout trout 6 inches and greater per mile, with a mix of West- 8 inches long and greater were 411 and 222 per mile, slope Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout. respectively. Both of these estimates were similar to In the Monarch section, the total estimate of trout 6 the long-term median. The median represents the inches and greater was similar from 2015 through middle of values observed, and accounts for the large 2017 with approximately 290 trout per mile with Rain- influence of outliers (a couple years with very high esti- bow Trout most abundant. In the Sluice Boxes section mates). The number of Rainbow Trout 8 inches long there was an estimated 663 trout 6 inches and greater and greater estimated in the Smith River at the County per mile in 2016, with Rainbow Trout most abundant Line site was 348 per mile and Brown Trout were esti- followed by Brown Trout. Mountain Whitefish are also mated at 326 per mile. The Rainbow Trout estimates relatively abun- have trended upward since 2018, while the dant with a simi- Brown Trout estimate has been relatively lar density to consistent. Brown Trout have exceeded Rain- Rainbow Trout bow Trout at the County Line site in all years in this reach in except 2020, while Rainbow Trout have gen- 2016. Monitor- erally been more abundant at the Eagle Creek ing efforts will site in recent years. continue to be conducted Sun River throughout the Burbot with two green floy tags near dorsal fin. Belt Creek drain- Monitoring was con- age to document ducted at three mon- changes in fish and benthic invertebrate communi- itoring sites on the ties with current and future mine clean-up activities. Sun River in 2020. From upstream to Smith River Close-up of floy tags in burbot near dorsal fin. downstream, there were an estimated Flow conditions have been relatively favorable in the 153, 138, and 58 combined trout 8 inches long and Smith River from 2018 through 2020. All three years greater per mile at the sites near Augusta, Simms, and had relatively high and prolonged runoff flows and Sun River, respectively. These estimates are within the baseflows that generally exceeded 100 cfs, -result range of previously observed estimates at each site, ing in favorable conditions compared to several but less than the estimates observed in recent years. years prior to 2018. No time of day angling restric- Population estimates are well below those observed tions have been implemented since 2017 due to the on other similar sized rivers in central Montana (e.g., relatively higher flows and moderate water tempera- North Fork Sun River, South Fork Sun River, and Smith tures observed during the summer in recent years. River). Fish populations in the Sun River continue to be reduced and monitoring of this fishery will con- Two sites on the Smith River were sampled for fish in tinue in the future, with hope that improved flow 2020; the Eagle Creek site, which is located approxi- management can improve the quality of the fishery. mately 2 miles downstream of Camp Baker and the other section was the County Line site, which is in the canyon Lake Sutherlin (Smith River Reservoir) near the Meagher and Cascade county line. The 2020 sampling event represents the 42nd year of sampling Lake Sutherlin has typically provided quality angling at the Eagle Creek site, with the first sampling event in for stocked Rainbow Trout, as well as the potential to 1969, whereas the County Line site is new and 2020 was catch large Burbot (otherwise known as Ling). Approxi- the fifth year it’s been sampled out of the last six years. mately 16,000 Rainbow Trout are stocked annually and since 2014 approximately 2,500 kokanee have - 49 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 been stocked annually to provide another opportunity sampled in traps. Based on the size of these pike, we for anglers. Sampling with trap nets in fall 2016, indi- suspect they originated from an illegal introduction cated a healthy population of Burbot with numerous that occurred in 2010 or 2011. In 2013 the Fish, Wild- large individuals up to 35 inches and 13.5 lbs. Sever- life and Parks Commission approved a no harvest limit al anglers reported good success fishing for kokanee regulation for Northern Pike in Pelican Point Pond #1 in open water and Burbot through the ice in 2019. to encourage anglers to remove these fish to maintain the Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and crappie Newlan Creek Reservoir fishery. The regulation change began in March 2014. Biolo- Newlan Creek Reservoir has typi- gists began active removal cally provided quality angling for efforts in October 2013 and stocked Rainbow Trout, as well removed 28 pike with trapping as the potential to catch large efforts. Removal efforts contin- (30+ inches, 10+ lbs) Burbot. ued in 2014, 2015, and 2016 In addition, Kokanee Salmon removing 179, 42, and 5 pike, have been stocked since 2014 respectively. Sampling has and Gerrard-strain Rainbow been conducted in each year Trout have been stocked since since 2016 and no pike have 2015 to increase the diversity been observed. Monitoring of angling opportunities. The efforts will continue in 2021 stocking of Gerrard Rainbow to continue to evaluate the Trout is in addition to the con- success of the pike removals. tinued stocking of other Rain- bow Trout strains. The stocking In response to the illegal of Kokanee has resulted in a Northern Pike introduction, significant run of approximate- Largemouth Bass were stocked ly 13 to 16-inch Kokanee into Northern Pike sampled in the mouth of Little Muddy Creek in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018. Newlan Creek in the fall, and a near the confluence with the Missouri River. August 8, 2019. Prior to the illegal introduction snagging season was imple- the bass fishery was sustained mented in 2018 providing a by natural reproduction, but unique opportunity for anglers in the region. Sampling competition for forage by Northern Pike and the preda- in spring and fall 2018 and 2020 indicated numerous tion of bass by pike necessitated the stocking of bass to Burbot of all sizes were present, including many large maintain angling quality. In addition, adult Black Crap- Burbot that were collected during fall 2018 when 14 pie were transferred from Largent Bend Pond #3 to Pel- of the 84 Burbot sampled were 30 inches or greater. ican Point Pond #1 in 2014 to supplement the population, which was also likely impacted by the illegal pike A creel survey is planned for Lake Sutherlin and New- introduction. Wild fish transfers are conducted and lan Reservoir in 2021. Creel clerks will survey anglers approved by the Department only in waters that have regarding their angling success and satisfaction. As part had rigorous fish health inspections, including disease of the survey Burbot were tagged with plastic Floy tags testing and aquatic invasive species surveys. In 2019, in 2020 to learn about their catch rates, harvest rates, 500 8-inch Rainbow Trout were also stocked into Pelican age, growth rates, etc. We ask that you please report Point Pond #1 to provide additional angling opportunity. any Floy tagged Burbot caught from Lake Sutherlin and Newlan Creek Reservoir to the Region 4 office. Largent Bend Ponds

Pelican Point Pond An abundant population of adult crappie exists in pond #3 ranging from 8 to 13 inches long. Small Yel- Northern Pike first appeared in Pelican Point Pond #1 low Perch are also abundant. In 2016 approximately in 2012 during routine sampling for bass, perch, and 600 Largemouth Bass (2.5 inches) were stocked. In crappie when two pike were caught in trap nets. In 2013, a small number of Tiger Muskie were stocked in 2013, 62 pike measuring 11.9-15.6 inches long were pond #3. Tiger Muskie, are a sterile hybrid of North- - 50 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 ern Pike and muskie, and were stocked as a manage- and the landowners allow access to the public. A ment tool to reduce the number of suckers in the pond guide was updated in 2019 and is available at pond. The stocking also provides anglers an oppor- all of the Region 4 offices. A pdf of the pond guide tunity to catch a large and aggressive predatory fish. can also be found on the Department’s website, and Both Pond #3 and Pond #2 were flooded by the high additional pond information, including access - infor flows of the Sun River in 2018. Additional Tiger Muskies mation, stocking records, and sampling reports will were stocked into Pond #3 in 2019 and Largemouth Bass be updated within the Department’s FishMT website. were stocked in 2018 and 2019 in Pond #2 to supplement the populations. Pond #2 provides easy access and has become a popular fishery for young anglers and families.

Great Falls Area Private Pond Program

The department has agreements with many landowners throughout the area, where the Department stocks fish to maintain a fishery in the private ponds

Region 4 Fishing Access Site Program longer boat dock to the pond. That makes 2 docks and Vicki Robinson, Fishing Access Site Program Manager we are already seeing folks utilize them. We also had an Eagle Scout project, by Tyler Kiamas (troop 1026), for It was another successful year for the Central District a shelter. With the addition of the second fishing pier fishing access sites. We worked hard to keep our sites and the shelter at the main pond, this site is welcoming safe and well maintained throughout the busy seasons. the new amenities. His group built a shelter next to the We had two new employees who started in May of 2020 pond. This addition will be used by so many folks visiting and they have made a big the site. Thank you, Tyler!! impact already. Thank you, Rick Gaskins and Jay- Capital Projects lene Swanson Magnuson! Also, a big shoutout to Wolf Creek Bridge, Jaylene for providing such Missouri River beautiful photographs for this article. New for 2021, Nathan Smith has This site had a major face started his new position lift. The entire site has been as Lead FAS Maintenance paved to improve water worker. Congrats Nathan! drainage, two brand new latrines were installed, a This past year we did not new kiosk was installed, and have any uncontrolled camping was moved away fires at our sites, however, from the road. All sites are paved and are equipped high water and flooding Mid Canon Fishing Access Site, Missouri River, Cascade County. did impact a few sites, with ADA fire rings. including Largent Bend, Medicine River and Fort Shaw FAS. The Sun River had record highwater that resulted Prewett Creek, Missouri River in substantial damage to Largent Bend FAS. Crews have worked very hard and the site is almost back to pre- FAS staff cleared some dead trees and added space for flood conditions. We are still waiting to re-do the boat an additional four more trucks/trailers. The additional launch on the Sun River at Largent Bend. The good parking spaces have been well utilized at this busy site. news for Largent Bend pond is that that we added a

- 51 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Shout Out To Some Great Volunteers Improvements at Fishing Access Sites

We had a local chapter of Backcountry Hunters Several sites will see small improvement projects in and Anglers organize a cleanup day at Ulm Bridge 2021. Those projects will help with parking issues, fishing access site in early June. Thank you, guys! expand carry in camping sites, and other land- scaping projects. Feel free to contact Vicki Robin- Cascade Conservation District had a cou- son, Region 4 Fishing Access Site Program Man- ple of “Speaker Series” at various fishing ager at [email protected] for more information. access sites. Thank you for choosing our site! Our crew continues to help our area biologists and Giant Springs Hatchery staff on several of their projects. Every March our crew helps Helena Biologist, Adam Strainer, with Pines for Perch at Canyon Ferry. Our FAS crew is always happy to help where we are needed.

York Bridge Fishing Access Site, Lewis and Clark County.

Choteau Volunteer Fire Department host- ed their annual Ice Golf Tournament at Eure- ka Reservoir. Kelly Smith (FWP FAS staff) is the organizer of this event. Good Job Kelly!

A big thanks goes to Teton County Road crew helping us out on a project at Eureka Reservoir. Thanks guys!!

We are also lucky enough to host the annual World Newlan Creek Reservoir, Meagher County. Migratory Bird Day Festival at Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir. This event is held in May each year. Thanks for hosting your event at our great site in Helena.

Pelican Point Fishing Access Site, Missouri River, Cascade County. - 52 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Westslope Cutthroat Trout ing larger, interconnected populations will help ensure Alex Poole, Fisheries Biologist the longevity and genetic integrity of the region’s cutthroat trout. Thanks to hard work from Region 4 Westslope Cutthroat Trout (WCT) gained a helping fisheries staff past and present, much of the ground- hand this year with the hiring of a new Native Fish work has been laid for the realization of such projects. Biologist, Alex Poole. Alex brings over a decade of native trout conservation experience to this posi- During the 2020 season many ongoing WCT restoration gained across the west from Utah, Oregon, Ari- tion activities were continued across the region. Long- zona, Wyoming, and most recently with MT Fish, term monitoring sections were established on several Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Region 1 in Kalispell. This streams containing WCT conservation populations to is a new position that will be primarily focused on better understand population trends. A number of restoring and expanding WCT populations across the streams were investigated for potential future resto- region. Alex is looking forward to working collabora- ration projects in the Smith River and Dearborn River tively with many stakeholders to continue WCT res- drainages. One new population of WCT was established toration efforts in the Upper Missouri River drainage. in Hyde Creek in the Two Medicine River drainage.

Region 4’s WCT are unique in the fact that they rep- Angling opportunities for WCT in Region 4 are as resent the easternmost populations of the subspe- diverse as the central Montana landscape. From the cies geographic range. These peripheral populations high alpine lakes of the Rocky Mountain Front to are of high conservation value because they often the small creeks of the island ranges, opportunities experience different stressors than other popula- abound for those who seek to chase these beautiful tions at the core of the subspecies range that can native trout. Spring is a great time to target lower ele- result in unique genetic characteristics important for vation waters like the creeks of the Beartooth Wildlife future adaptation. Unfortunately, peripheral WCT Management Area or Tunnel Lake near Augusta. As the populations have undergone substantial declines, spring thaws to summer, refocus your efforts on the exacerbated due in part to their isolated nature. high country. Mountain lakes of the Rocky Mountain Front and the Big Belt Mountains offer WCT angling Fortunately, Region 4 has a rich history of WCT conser- opportunities with unparalleled scenic backdrops. For vation efforts dating back over four decades. Restored those who prefer flowing water, Belt Creek, the forks populations of WCT now be found in almost all major of the Teton River, and the South Fork Two Medicine river drainages across the region. However, much work River are just a few of the many places worth exploring remains to be done as the majority of these populations for wild WCT. Remember to always check the regula- inhabit relatively small headwater streams. Establish- tions before heading afield. Use FWP’s FishMT website to further explore angling opportunities in Region 4.

Marias River PIT Tag Telemetry Jacob Williams, Fisheries Biologist

Montana FWP Region 4 fisheries began investigating the use of passive integrated transponder (PIT) technology for monitoring spawning movements of native species into the Marias River in 2016. PIT tags have been widely used in fisheries management over the last two decades. These tags are extremely small and emit a unique number that can be detected at close range by a PIT reader. This is the same technology used if you “microchip” a pet. PIT tags are extremely versatile and can be implanted into a wide range Figure 1. FWP crew member surgically implanting a PIT tag into the body cavity of of fish species and fish as small as four inches. a large Blue Sucker

- 53 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Crews began tagging game and nongame species These stationary arrays have been extremely effective captured around the Marias River confluence with at detecting fish moving into and out of the Marias the Missouri River in 2016. Tags are implanted into and Teton Rivers. In April 2020, during spring runoff, the body cavity of each individual fish (Figure 1), 39 Blue Suckers migrated into the Marias River and because inserting tags in this way helps prevent tag 27 into the Teton River to spawn. At peak spring run- loss and minimizes impact to muscle tissues that off in late May to early June, 679 Shovelnose- Stur harvest anglers seek. Tagging efforts have increased geon migrated into the Marias River and 109 into the the last few years and have focused on Blue Suckers Teton River. Fifty-three of the Shovelnose and two and Shovelnose Sturgeon. Fish captured through- Blue Suckers migrated over 11 miles up the Teton out the Missouri River from Morony Dam to Fort River. This migration was exciting because the Teton Peck Reservoir have been PIT tagged. At the end of is chronically dewatered by irrigation practices and 2020, 2,959 individual fish have been tagged, includ- by mid-summer the river can have little to no flow. ing 2,050 Shovelnose Sturgeon and 112 Blue Suckers. However, in 2020 the Teton had abnormally high flows and an influx of fish were detected when stream conditions were suitable for their spawning.

The stationary PIT array network will be expanding in the spring of 2021. Two more arrays will be installed on the Marias River, the first will be about 30 miles upstream of the Teton River confluence and the second another 30 miles further upstream. We will continue to tag native species including the endangered Pallid Sturgeon. Tagging Pallid Sturgeon will add an extremely useful and relatively inexpensive tool for monitoring the species spawning migrations into the Marias River (for more information see Pallid Sturgeon Recovery – Morony Dam to Fort Peck).

Figure 2. Map where stationary PIT reader arrays (yellow circles) are currently located on the Marias and Teton Rivers.

The first large stationary PIT reader array was installed in the Marias Riv- er just below the Teton River confluence in 2017. FWP added arrays in 2020 and is currently operating and maintaining four stationary arrays, two on the Marias River (one above and one below the Teton River) and two on the Teton River (Figure 2). These stationary arrays consist of large wire anchored to the bottom and spanning the entire width of the river. The wire is connected to a PIT reader on the bank that is solar powered and constantly monitoring for passing tagged fish (Figure 3). Figure 3. Pictured is a completed stationary PIT array with heavy gauge wire anchored to the stream bed (left image) and the stream bank PIT reader powered with a 100-watt solar panel.

- 54 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Lewistown Management Area Fish populations are almost non-existent in the Clint Smith, Fisheries Biologist main stem, with numbers so low robust estimates aren’t feasible. Our catch-per-unit-effort indicator of Middle Fork Judith River abundance estimates roughly 14 trout larger than 4” per 1,000’ of stream. Clearly, the fishery is a fraction of The Middle Fork Judith River is one of those classic what is possible. By comparison, the neighboring South hidden gems in Montana. This scenic mountain Fork Judith River, which is about a quarter of the size river flows through beautiful mountain meadows of the Middle Fork, traditionally has about 148 trout and limestone canyons. Awe-inspiring rock features larger than 4” per 1,000’ of stream. Yogo Creek, which and watery caves pop-up around every meander. is a small tributary to the Middle Fork and has a long On first look, you’d think you’ve discovered a history of mining impacts, has about 40 trout larger than miniature version of the Smith River and it should 4” per 1,000’ of stream. As you can see in Figure 1, the be teeming with fish awaiting your first cast. trout abundance does increase once you get upstream of the crossings, but undoubtedly the total productivity of the system is suppressed from the degraded habitat.

The good news is that efforts are underway to provide an alternate travel route and bypass the majority of the stream crossings. The Helena- Lewis & Clark National Forest, in coordination with local stakeholders, interest groups, and FWP, are in the planning phases of alleviating the degradation of the Middle Fork and restoring the scenic river to more closely resemble its potential. The plan, which was initially identified in the Forest’s 2007 Travel Management Plan, would bypass 20 of the crossings by altering the route to remain on the ridgeline above the Middle Fork. The remaining crossings would be improved so as to alleviate the sedimentation they induce, and the abandoned Catch per unit effort of all trout at four sections of the Middle Fork Judith River. River mile 1.2 is down- crossings would be restored to more stream of the stream crossings. River mile 10 is upstream of the stream crossings. natural streambank conditions. This project is long overdue, but Unfortunately, you’d be very wrong. The Middle still has a long way to go before it comes to fruition. Fork Judith River, for all its aesthetic magnificence, Currently, the project is planned over 4 phases is trashed. The culprit: 27± stream crossings along and the project partners are attempting to build a 7-mile Forest Service road, required to maintain awareness and identify funding opportunities. reasonable access to private inholdings within the FWP plans to continue to monitor the fishery and forest. These stream crossings, induce massive amounts habitat, with sincere hopes that the Middle Fork will of sedimentation in the Middle Fork Judith, suffocating someday actually be the gem it first appears to be. aquatic invertebrate production, incubating trout eggs and alevins, and the habitat potential of the river. This Petrolia Reservoir issue has only been exacerbated in recent years with the increasing prevalence of ATV’s and side-by-sides. We continued to see high catch rates of Walleye in Petrolia this past spring, with fish averaging 17.9”. We - 55 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 have been observing this size class moving through we observed much higher catch rates of both Rainbow in recent years as they’ve dominated the catch in our Trout and suckers, with many smaller fish sampled. annual sampling. We tag every Walleye we sample Our spring trap netting and past fall gill netting indicate in Petrolia to evaluate growth and angler harvest that we are seeing more severe declines in sucker catch rates. We rely on either recapturing the fish in future rates than in the trout catch rates, however the trout sampling or anglers to report when they catch a tagged catch rates are below our desired levels. In addition fish. The data gathered from angler tag returns is highly to stocking extra fish (10-15k more in 2018 & 2019), valuable, so if you do frequent Petrolia and catch a tagged fish, please let us know. Using the angler tag FWP has modified the Tiger Muskie regulation on return data, we are able to estimate that approximately Ackley Lake such that anglers can harvest 2 fish, with 9% of the annual Walleye mortality in Petrolia is from a minimum length of 36”. This regulation change went angler harvest. While we are seeing very high catch into effect in the 2020 license year and will hopefully increase harvest of the Tiger Muskie such that we can relieve the predatory pressure on the stocked Rainbow Trout fishery. FWP does not want to remove all the Tiger Muskie from the reservoir, but we do think that some additional harvest will result in a more balanced fishery and be more inline with the public’s preferences. The long-term goal remains to provide a quality Rainbow Trout fishery and a small Tiger Muskie component in the reservoir is expected to benefit that goal. One benefit we are seeing in the trout fishery is the increased average size, with fish averaging 17.7” in 2019 compared to 15.6” in 2016. Another identified objective

Unique rock feature typical of the Middle Fork Judith River. rates of Walleye, catch rates of Yellow Perch have been down in recent years. This is likely attributable to increased Walleye predation and the low reservoir conditions in 2017, which likely limited recruitment. Spawning conditions were much improved in 2018 and 2019, and perch numbers appear to be rebounding in 2020. Bluegill and Northern Pike continue to be sampled at low abundance in Petrolia.

Ackley Lake

The most recent fall gill netting at Ackley Lake suggests that Tiger Muskie predation A nice Northern Pike taken from East Fork Reservoir near Lewistown. of the Rainbow Trout may be leveling off as - 56 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 of the Tiger Muskie introduction was to increase the opportunity in 2021. We plan to add Largemouth abundance of rainbows 18” and larger. In the 20-years Bass back to Dry Blood after the crappie establish. prior to the Tiger Muskie introduction, FWP sampled 6 Rainbow Trout larger than 18” (none from 2006-2015). In the 5-years since Tiger Muskie were stocked, FWP has sampled 43 rainbows larger than 18”. We are well- aware that, generally, the trout anglers are not satisfied with the current status of Ackley. That said, we are optimistic that once we get the Tiger Muskie abundance reduced, a high-quality trout fishery is coming. Anglers should probably expect slow trout catch rates for another year or two before the desired balance is reached.

Judith River Telemetry

FWP continues to study fish movements in the Judith River. Building upon previous work looking at the movements of a unique population of adfluvial Rain- bow Trout and Judith River Sauger, we are now investigating the movement of Burbot from the Judith River in an effort to better understand their reproductive strategies and spawning areas. We hypothesize that these fish from the Judith migrate to the Missouri River to spawn, before returning to their home terri- tories in the Judith. In the spring of 2019, we placed external radio telemetry tags on 10 Burbot and hope to monitor them over the coming spawning season. To date, 9 of the tagged fish haven’t left the Judith River. Stay tuned for future updates on this investigation. Derrick Miller, FWP Fisheries Technician, holds a radio-tagged Burbot from the Judith River. Lewistown Area Ponds and Reservoirs FWP has continued efforts to manage the three flood Many of the small ponds and reservoirs in the Lewis- control reservoirs outside of Lewistown for quality town Management Area have winterkilled in recent community fishing opportunities. East Fork Reservoir years. We lost many in the 2017/2018 winter and continues to be dominated by small Yellow Perch. In then restocked, only to have February 2019 come addition to the annual ice fishing derby, FWP is pur- along and cause many to winterkill again, includ- suing management options to reduce Yellow Perch ing the Carter Ponds, Holland Reservoir, and partial recruitment and alleviate some of the stunting that kills in Payola and South Fork Dry Blood Reservoirs. occurs. In our recent sampling, we are seeing slightly Most ponds that have winterkilled in recent years higher catch rates of Northern Pike, with some fish in have been restocked and should start to produce the 8 to 10-pound range. Hansen Reservoir has long angling opportunities in the coming years. Those man- been a popular spot for trout anglers. We’ve begun aged for trout will recover more quickly than those stocking Westslope Cutthroat Trout in the reservoir managed for Largemouth Bass and crappie, as the and, depending on their performance, may transition warmwater species experience slower growth rates. the reservoir away from Rainbow Trout in the future. Access at Hansen has become more difficult in recent The BLM has completed the repairs to the dam at Dry years and FWP is working with interested locals and Blood and FWP restocked the reservoir with Black the City of Lewistown to evaluate methods of improv- Crappie in the spring of 2019. These fish ranged in ing access to the reservoir. We have been attempting size from 2 to 10” and should provide angling - 57 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 to establish a Largemouth Bass / crappie fishery in Big Helena Area Fisheries Casino Creek Reservoir since 2015. Those efforts do Adam Strainer, Fisheries Biologist and Troy Humphrey, Fisheries not seem to be producing a quality fishery yet. One Technician limiting factor may be the overabundance of suckers Reservoirs in the reservoir. In June of 2019, FWP stocked Tiger Muskie in the reservoir with the intent of reducing the New Management Plan sucker abundance. We will continue to monitor the fishery at Big Casino to evaluate its fishery potential. Fisheries management in the Upper Missouri River Elsewhere in the Lewistown area, Drag Creek Reser- reservoir system, from Toston Dam to Holter Dam, voir continues to provide plenty of small Bluegill, with was propelled into the next decade when the Fish & the occasional 10-14” Largemouth Bass. Bubs Reser- Wildlife Commission approved the 2020-2029 Upper voir currently provides the best bass angling in the Missouri River Reservoirs Fisheries Management Lewistown Management Area, with a good chance Plan (UMRRFMP). The new plan went into effect on at some 2+ pound bass. Payola and Vogel Reservoirs December 1, 2020 and will guide fisheries manage- provide opportunity for Yellow Perch anglers. The ment decisions, like fishing regulations or stocking Denton area trout ponds continue to provide some rates, for the Missouri River and its reservoirs near great fishing, with good opportunities for rainbows, Helena (Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs) browns, and Brook Trout. We’ve also added 2 reser- for the next ten years. Exceptional public involve- voirs to our stocking program in the breaks, with the ment helped FWP develop the plan and is a testa- addition of Largemouth Bass to Stormwind Reservoir ment to all of you who remained engaged with FWP and Rainbow Trout in Woods Place Reservoir in 2019. during plan development. Thank you to everyone In 2021, we hope to evaluate additional reservoirs for who took part in the process and please check out their fishery potential and increase angling diversity the link below to learn more about the new plan: http://fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/management/ fisheries/upperMissouriRiverPlan.html

Canyon Ferry Reservoir

Canyon Ferry Reservoir (CFR) continues to be one of the most popular angling destinations in the state of Montana, but temporary changes to traditional Rainbow Trout stocking rates, sustained high numbers of small Walleye, not preferred by anglers, and historically low bag limits for Yellow Perch are driving fisheries management and angling trends across the reservoir.

The unexpected highlight for CFR in 2020 has been with the rainbow fishery. With two consecutive years of rainbow hatchery plants being reduced by 50% in 2018 and 2019, it was assumed that the impacts would be felt for A Helena area family with a 30-inch plus Canyon Ferry Reservoir Walleye. years into the future. Surprisingly, net numbers in 2019 and 2020 were at 4.6 and 3.9 rainbows per net, respectively. Both years were above the ten-year average of 3.4 rainbows per net. There was a phenomenal spring shoreline bite, which was primarily comprised of large Eagle Lake strain rainbows which come into shallow water in mid-March to mid-May to seek spawning areas. Creel catch rates

- 58 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 for the 2020 summer season (April-October) were a tipped with worms or leeches, and crankbaits. Verti- respectable 0.71 per hour for anglers targeting rain- cal jigging, especially on bay points, throughout the bows. During the spring bite the rainbow catch rates reservoir is also a popular tactic for Walleye anglers. were at 0.82 and 0.98 fish per hour for April and May, respectively. Catchable sized Rainbow Trout, or fish Trophy sized Yellow Perch (10-inches or greater) con- stocked at 7-inches in length or greater, have been the tinue to be the primary draw for perch anglers on CFR, backbone of the stocking strategy for CFR, as well as especially during the winter months. FWP continues to Hauser and Holter Reservoirs, since the early 2000’s, take a conservative population management approach but agency-wide financial constraints directed a state- for Yellow Perch in CFR by limiting angler harvest. wide 50% reduction in production of catchable sized Anglers continue to catch Yellow Perch while trolling Rainbow Trout in 2018 and 2019. Traditional stocking for Walleye during open-water months, but the most rates were expected to resume in 2020 due to legisla- effecting Yellow Perch angling continues to be during tive approval for funding. Unfortunately, New Zealand ice-covered months. Ice anglers typically use Swedish mud snails were discovered at the Bluewater hatch- pimples or Hali jigs, tipped with maggots or worms, in ery and resulted in 50,000 Eagle Lake strain rainbows 30 to 60 feet of water out from the Silos, Duck Creek not being planted Bay, and Confederate Bay. into CFR. Ice fishing between Pond The Pines for Perch project 4 and the Silos has occurred every spring Recreation Area, since the mid-1990’s but shoreline fishing in almost did not happen in spring on the north 2020. Normally, volunteers end of the reser- from the Upper Missouri voir, and shore- River and Gallatin/Madi- line fishing in the son chapters of Walleyes fall in Confeder- Unlimited provide a consid- ate Bay all provide erable about of assistance, excellent angling but due to COVID restric- opportunities. tions volunteers were not Canyon Ferry Reservoir Pines for Perch habitat structures await transport into the Boat anglers do lake via the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation helicopters. able to assist in 2020 and well trolling crank- FWP staff built the struc- baits or spoons tures without volunteer in the spring and fall, while cowbells (or simi- help. This project happens with cooperation with lar flashers) seem to work better during the the City of Helena, Broadwater County Sanitation, summer months when the fish are deeper. and DNRC helicopter pilots that placed the habitat/ spawning structures made from upcycled Christmas Walleye anglers continue to have good angling oppor- trees into the south end of the reservoir. Hopefully in tunities in CFR during open-water months with high 2021 we are able to get back to normal operations, catch rates occurring during several summer months. so if you are interested in volunteering to help with Catch rates for the 2020 summer season (April-Octo- Pines for Perch, or if you’re interested in volunteer- ber) were 0.48 per hour for anglers targeting Walleye. ing on CFR in general, please contact the HARO fish- Walleye catch rates peaked in August at 0.74 fish per eries staff at 495-3266 to spend a day on the water. hour. Net numbers have declined for three consecutive years from the all-time high in 2017, with catch After a lengthy and thorough process, the new Upper rates in 2020 (4.5 Walleye per net) falling below tar- Missouri River Reservoirs Management Plan (2020- get goal ranges of 5-7 Walleye per net. Beach seine 2029) was approved by the commission on December results in 2020 showed a record number of young- 5, 2019 and will guide fisheries management for the of-the-year Walleye, so reduced catch rates will most next ten years. A major change to the new plan will likely be short lived. Boat anglers typically target be a commission appointed Citizens Advisory Commit- Walleye throughout the open-water months trolling tee which will meet annually and provide FWP staff worm harnesses (various colors, styles, and sizes), with recommendations for the management plan area.

- 59 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Hauser Dam Tailrace – Hauser Dam to Holter Reservoir

Pressure, Pressure, Pressure (~30K Annual Angler Days)

Angling pressure on the Missouri River below Hauser Dam remains high, but fish abundance goals continue to be achieved. Angling pressure data from the 2019 license year (March 1 to February 28) is still preliminary at the time this was written but indicates that fishing pressure is again near 30,000 angler days. For reference, the highest angling pressure in this 1.2-mile river reach (Hauser Dam to the mouth of Beaver Creek) was Figure 1. Fish population (Rainbow (RB) and Brown (LL) Trout) and angler day esti- recorded in 2009 at nearly 45,000 angler days mates for the Missouri River below Hauser Dam from 2009-2019. (Figure 1). Despite high angling use estimates, rainbow and Brown Trout abundance Hauser Reservoir estimates remain above management plan goals. In 2019, the number of fish per mile was Kokanee in 2022? 3,814 for Rainbow Trout and 217 for Brown Trout.

FWP planted 113,150 surplus Kokanee Salmon finger- Holter Reservoir lings in Hauser Reservoir in June 2020. Three-inch fingerlings were planted just below Canyon Ferry Dam to Spawning and Rearing Wild Rainbow Trout potentially provide an additional angling opportunity. Those plants could result in the first fishable Kokanee FWP fisheries management and hatchery staff col- Salmon population in the reservoir since the mid-2000’s. laborate each spring to collect wild Rainbow Trout FWP fisheries crews successfully sampled the planted eggs from Holter Reservoir to be raised at Big Kokanee in an October 2020 netting survey, indicat- Springs Hatchery near Lewistown, MT. The fish are ing good plant survival may have occurred. A fishable grown in the hatchery to approximately 7-inches population of adult Kokanee Salmon in Hauser Reser- and planted back into central Montana waterbodies. voir could be realized by the spring of 2022. So, start Annually, fisheries management staff is responsible thinking about dusting off those downriggers, dodgers, for capturing and sorting (by sex) approximately 200 and cowbells to see if you can find one for yourself! spawning pairs. Once optimal environmental spawn- Contact FWP at 495-3272 if you catch a ing conditions are reached (e.g., water temperature Kokanee at Hauser Reservoir this year! at 42-45 degrees F) management and hatchery staff coordinate to spawn, conduct required disease testing and transport the wild trout eggs back to the hatchery.

In 2020, FWP collected and spawned 182 spawning pairs of Rainbow Trout responsible for an estimated 421,350 eggs or an estimated 2,315 eggs per female. Male donors averaged 20.4-inches and females averaged 20.6-inches.

2020 Hauser Reservoir Kokanee Salmon planted (left) at 3-inches in June and surveyed (right) by FWP staff at 7-inches in October.

- 60 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir

Perch + Kokanee = Kids Fishing Days

This fishery provides a unique winter opportunity to catch an endless number of Yellow Perch while waiting for a school of Kokanee Salmon to swim by. Perch ranging from 5 to 8 inches can be found using traditional tackle, Swedish pimple’s or Hali jigs tipped with maggots, just off the bottom. Using the same tackle, anglers also catch 12 to 15-inch Kokan- ee at depths ranging from 15 to 25 feet of water.

This 500-acre body of water is located on the eastern edge of the Helena Valley and is the perfect location for FWP sponsored Kids Fishing Days. In 2020, FWP host- ed groups from 4H, North Middle School Fishing Club, Becoming an Outdoor Woman, and approximately 20 area school classrooms comprising about 500 students, teachers and parents. To date, FWP has taken over 5,000 kids fishing on the Helena Valley Regulation Reservoir!

A Helena area school group joins FWP staff on the Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir for a 2020 Kids Fishing event.

Big Springs Hatchery Aquaculturist Sam Stafslien stripping eggs from a Holter Reservoir Eagle Lake strain Rainbow Trout. - 61 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Choteau Area spring spawning fish and forage fish. Average number Katie Vivian, Fisheries Biologist of forage fish (164.71/net) during 2019 beach seining was the highest since 2014 and average juvenile The eastern Rocky Mountain Front experienced Yellow Perch (39.3/net) was the highest since 2015. highs and lows in 2019. A solid snowpack accom- panied by heavy May rains drove in another high- Fall gillnetting efforts indicated an increase in rela- water year for our rivers and reservoirs. Back to back tive abundance of Walleye and Northern Pike. The high-water years following years of drought rein- past three years have shown increasing Walleye rela- vigorated our reservoir systems with notable pro- tive abundance trends, with 2019 topping out at 4.3 ductivity bursts. Comparatively, 2020 was -an aver Walleye per net; the highest since 1994. Northern age water year, with good snowpack and typical Pike relative abundance increased to 1.8/net which is spring runoff, much to the relief of many landowners. slightly above the 10-year average. 2020 had similar gillnetting numbers with 1.9 Northern Pike/net and a Due to the 2019 rain on snow events, the Teton River corrected 3.5 Walleye/net. These higher abundance and Elk Creek flooded, and alluvial cobble deposition numbers were in parallel to angler catch rates on Tiber occurred across agricultural land Reservoir this summer. Average catch rates from June along the Rocky Mountain Front. By to August were 0.99 Walleye the end of 2019, several reservoir per hour in 2019 and 0.91 winter elevations were the high- Walleye per hour in 2020. est observed in the past ten years; except Willow Creek Reservoir. Due Cisco reproduction has been to infrastructure concerns and the strong with three consecu- lack of a recreation component of tive large year classes and the usage license, Greenfields Irri- with the strong Yellow Perch gation District and the Bureau of reproduction, the North- Reclamation drained Willow Creek ern Pike and Walleye pop- Reservoir effectively eliminating the ulations are eating well. fishery. On July 25, 2019 in response to the drawdown, the Montana In 2020, Tiber was stocked Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commis- with 45,000 Gerrard strain sion passed an emergency decision Rainbow Trout. These fish to lift fishing regulations at Willow have been stocked for the Creek Reservoir to maximize har- past five years and are begin- vest of the Rainbow Trout fishery. ning to show up more consis- A combination of avian predation, tently in our netting efforts angler harvest, and outmigration to at 23-24” total length. In the the Sun River eliminated fish strand- right environmental con- ing or summer-kill events during the ditions, Gerrard Rainbow drawdown. Infrastructure repairs Young angler on Tiber Reservoir with a 31” Walleye Trout can reach trophy size. were completed by October 21, caught during Camp Walleye 2019. 2019 and by the end of June 2020, 2019 and 2020 wrapped Willow Creek Reservoir had filled to full pool elevation. up two more years of invasive mussel (Zebra/ Quagga) monitoring on Tiber Reservoir. The local Tiber Reservoir boater program was in place in addition to manda- tory decontamination for boaters leaving Tiber Res- In 2019, Tiber Reservoir reached full pool by May and ervoir and launching elsewhere. Through eDNA elevations continued to rise above that level through monitoring and plankton tows, no new mussel veli- June and July. Due to downstream flooding concerns, gers nor adult mussels were detected. 2021 will be water managers decreased outflows resulting in an the fifth year of mussel veliger sampling efforts and extra 9 ft of forebay water elevation by the end of anglers and boaters are reminded to continue to June. The submerged shorelines were good news for be vigilant and to Clean, Drain, and Dry equipment.

- 62 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Lake Frances So, while it may be tempting to blame slow catch rates to the lack of fish in the lake, it most likely falls Lake Frances once again exhibited its two-faced per- on the abundance of prey within the ecosystem. Oto- sonality for anglers and FWP staff. From May to Sep- lith analysis has shown impressive recent Walleye tember, angler Walleye catch rates were frustratingly growth rates with some two-year-old fish reaching low, averaging 0.13 Walleye/hour in 2019 and 0.24 14” and three-year-old fish reaching 17”. In Lake Fran- Walleye/hour in 2020. This is up from the 2017 catch ces, these lengths are typical of Walleye one or two rate of 0.08 Walleye per hour but still below preferred years older. This suggests that the past two years of conditions. However, FWP netting surveys confirmed slow catch rates are not indicative of a poor fishery a fast growing, healthy Walleye population. This exas- but rather satiated fish that are not easily tempted by perating condition is a story of complex food dynamics. lures. In 2020, Lake Frances was stocked with 54,000 Walleye fingerlings and it will be stocked again in Our 2019 seining sampling estimated 360 juvenile 2022. Moving into 2021, FWP will continue an angler perch/net which is the second highest average over creel survey and standard seining and netting efforts. the past 20 years. The average number of forage fish/ net (789.52) was 509% of the 2010-2016 average. The sheer amount of forage observed in the 2019 seining efforts pales the past 20 years of seining efforts. 2020 seining efforts found many ofthe 2018 juvenile perch surviving to yearling perch. The 2020 year class of juvenile perch is back down to a typical average of 45 perch per net. In addition to juvenile and forage fish surveys, FWP staff also completed a standardized fall gillnet ting series to evaluate the adult fish population.

In 2019, Walleye relative abundance (8.5/net) was above the five- and ten-year averages and down from the 2018 record of 16.6 Walleye/ net. These fish were well-nourished with a relative weight of 92.4. The 2019 population struc- Typical Rainbow Trout sampled from Bynum Reservoir in 2020. ture was weighted towards younger fish (10.0- 14.9”). With the abundance of good forage, 2020 observed these fish moving up into the “quality” sized Bynum Reservoir fish (15.0-19.9”). Relative abundance in 2020 was 8.5 Walleye per net and the relative weight was 97.9. Consistent water elevations have historically challenged the fishery at Bynum. With the past two good water years, the Yellow Perch population has likely improved. During fall gillnetting efforts, large Rainbow Trout (20-22”) and several 10-12” trout composed most of the handled fish. Anglers have reported good spring fishing especially on days when the wind lies down. Boat access is typically limited by water elevation, but winter pool levels are higher than observed in recent history and should help maintain access through the spring and summer. In 2020, Bynum was stocked with 100,00-130,000 Rainbow Trout of various strains. The illegally introduced Walleye population within Bynum is still present and a few fish between 11-15” Lake Frances Walleye gillnet size distribution. - 63 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 have been sampled in recent fall gillnetting efforts. in September. Each Rainbow Trout strain is uniquely FWP will conduct spring 2021 netting efforts to gather marked as part of a stocking evaluation study. FWP more information on the existing Walleye population. will track the growth and recruitment of these various fish to determine the best long-term stocking Pishkun Reservoir strategy for Willow Creek Reservoir. Approximately 120,000 Rainbow Trout will be stocked in Willow Pishkun Reservoir is the only place along the Rocky Creek Reservoir in 2021. Tiger Muskie have not yet Mountain Front to fish for Kokanee. Solely dependent been stocked again in Willow Creek Reservoir but on stocking efforts, the Kokanee fishery is supplement- they might be introduced again in two years to help ed with fish every year and 2019 and 2020 were no control the White Sucker population within the - res exception. In 2019, 99,850 (3”) Kokanee were stocked ervoir and to provide another fishing opportunity. and in 2020, 202,923 (1.5”) Kokanee were stocked. Anglers can expect similar snagging and fishing oppor- In addition to Willow Creek Reservoir, the Rocky Moun- tunities for adult kokanee in 2020 as there was in tain Front suffered dewatering impacts to Nilan Res- 2018 and 2019. Additionally, we stock 20,000-40,000 ervoir. The Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) catchable Rainbow Trout (7-8”) to diversify the fishery. dewatered the majority of Nilan Reservoir in October 2020 to repair the northwestern outlet gate. A residual With abundant food sources and large, mature fish, the pool approximately 65 surface acres remained after Northern Pike population is maintaining good struc- the drawdown and likely allowed a portion of the trout ture. The 2020 gillnetting efforts documented multiple, population to survive but a notable percentage of healthy year classes with fish measuring between 13.1”, the fishery is expected to be lost. The DNRC will refill 0.60 lb. and 28.7”, 7.13 lbs. The immature kokanee sam- Nilan Reservoir once repairs are complete And they pled measured between 7.0”, 0.14 lb. and 14.3”, 1.10 lbs. are currently projecting a 75% refill by spring 2021. FWP will restock Nilan Reservoir in June 2021 with Greenfields Irrigation District has altered reservoir 80,000 Rainbow Trout. Anglers can expect decreased management plans and will now keep higher winter fish densities within Nilan over the next two years. elevations within Pishkun Reservoir. These increased water elevations should help boaters and anglers access the reservoir earlier in the spring and longer into the fall. It is still recommended to check the BOR website for the most current reservoir elevation to determine if launching a boat is possible.

Restoring Lost Fisheries

As discussed above, the Willow Creek Reservoir residing Rainbow Trout and Tiger Muskie fisheries were eliminated in the fall of 2019 with the complete drawdown of the reservoir. Prior to the drawdown, fisheries staff sampled the reservoir and found Rainbow Trout from 8.4”, 0.25 lb. to 20.5”, 2.98 lbs. Rainbows of multiple strains were sampled, and overall condition was good.

In 2020, 69,763 Eagle Lake and Arlee strain (4-6”) Rainbow Trout were stocked in June and an additional 18,803 Arlee Well-fed Willow Creek Reservoir Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout from Big Springs Hatchery sampled strain (7”) Rainbow Trout were stocked in July 2019 prior to the drawdown. - 64 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 bow Trout, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Region 5 Trout. The 105-foot tall Natural Bridge Falls keeps South Central Montana Brown Trout and Whitefish from moving upstream. The upper Boulder River can be divided into 3 dis- Boulder River tinct fisheries. The lowest stretch slows, deepens, and Ben Bailey, Region 5 Fisheries Technician meanders for about 6 miles before it drops over the falls. This stretch has the least access with one for- The Boulder River is widely known as a great trout fishery est service access in the middle of two large private from the mouth near Big Timber to the headwaters in ranches. The slow deep pools found here hold larger the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The stretch of river rainbows that live a long time. A few specimens have from Natural Bridge Falls to the end of the road near the been caught up to 20 inches and aged up to 9 years old. historic mining town of Independence is no exception. Further upstream, above Two- Mile bridge, the river straightens and speeds up with the larger holes giving way to long runs and pocket water habitat. From the Two-Mile bridge upstream access for wade fishing is easy as the Boulder River Road trav- els through mostly public land. Rainbow Trout still dominate the fishery although they are generally a bit smaller with fish ranging from 8-16 inches. There are also a few smaller Brook Trout.

Further upstream, just below Four Mile Creek, there is another barrier falls that restricts Brook Trout from moving upstream. Above, the fishery is mostly Yel- Figure 1. Upper Boulder River length frequency of trout captured during monitoring. lowstone Cutthroat Trout with a few Rainbow Trout and Cut- bow hybrids. The fish are generally smaller moving upstream with cutthroat in this Above Natural Bridge Falls the Boulder River is distinct stretch reaching around 13 inches as a top length. from the river below in part as a result of the waterfall and valley geography. The river below flows through Region 5 Fisheries regularly samples three standard- a wide valley surrounded by agricultural land while ized electrofishing sections in the Boulder River above the river above flows through a narrower valley sur- Natural Bridge. Here is a quick summary of the fall of rounded by conifers and 10,000-foot peaks. Access to 2018 efforts. The Aller Section is located about three the lower river is limited to a handful of fishing access miles above the falls in the slow meandering reach. sites as it is flows through predominately private land. Results for this reach was an estimate of Rainbow Most of the upper river flows through U.S. Forest Ser- Trout abundance at 6,88 fish per mile for fish of all vice land and can be accessed nearly anywhere along sizes. They ranged from 3-19 inches with the aver- the Boulder River Road which parallels the river for age length about 13 inches. Some Brook Trout and roughly 25 miles. The fishery is different with the low- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout were captured but not er river composed of Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and enough to produce an estimate. The Clydehurst Sec- Mountain Whitefish while the upper river has Rain- tion is 5 miles farther up river near the Clydehurst - 65 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Bighorn River and Lake Elmo Shannon Blackburn, Fisheries Biologist

Bighorn River

In 2019, biologists and anglers were concerned over the low fish population estimates on the Bighorn River which were likely a result of back-to-back high-water years in 2017 and 2018. Trout survival, especially age-0 individuals, can be negatively affected when sustained high-water flows (e.g., > 6,000 cubic-feet-per-second [cfs]) occur during times where young trout (i.e., fry) are emerging from their redds. In 2017 and 2018, river flows on the Bighorn remained at or above 6,000 cfs for extended periods when both species of fry are extremely vulnerable (Figure 1). High flow events Angler with Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout on the Boulder. Photo by Ben were also recorded in 2019 but occurred later in the Bailey. season and likely only affected Rainbow Trout fry. Church Camp. Results for this reach was an estimate of 3,073 Rainbow Trout and 169 Brook Trout per mile of all sizes. Rainbow Trout ranged in length from 3 to 16 inches and Brook Trout ranged 4 to 13 inches. Rain- bow and Brook Trout averaged about 8 inches overall in this reach. The Hicks Park section is near the end of the road at Hicks Park campground. Results for this reach was an estimate of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout abundance at 820 per mile. They ranged from 3 to 12 inches and averaged about 8 inches. A handful of Rain- bow Trout were also caught but not enough for an estimate. Below is a graph of length frequencies of fish in all three sections (Figure 1), the graph displays the percentage of fish sampled in each inch group by species. Figure 1. Flows (cubic feet-per-second) for the Bighorn River during water years 2017–2020 from the U.S. Geological Survey gauge near It is worth noting the many trails which lead to great St. Xavier, MT. A water year starts on October 1 and ends the following fishing in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness from September 30. The yellow box represents the time frame when Brown the Boulder such as Four Mile Creek, Meatrack Creek, Travel eggs are in the gravel and flows could be potentially harmful (above 6,000 cfs). The orange box represents the time period when Rain- and the East Fork of the Boulder does provide great bow Trout eggs are in the gravel and flows could be potentially harmful fishing for those willing to hike in. Bridge Lake and (above 6,000 cfs). Elk Lake provide good fishing for heavy bodied Yel- lowstone Cutthroats. Upsidedown Creek and the Box Population estimates conducted in 2020 showed an Canyon trails will lead a hiker to the Boulder Lake Pla- increase in the total number of trout on both the teau where an angler can find Yellowstone Cutthroat, upper and lower Bighorn sections from 2019. Although Rainbow, and Golden Trout. These are just a few of population estimates for 2020 are still lower than aver- many angling opportunities in the Absaroka Wilder- age, the increase in the number of Bighorn wild trout ness within the Boulder River drainage. The Mountain numbers from 2019 indicate that the Bighorn River Lakes Guide is available at http://fwp.mt.gov/regions/ fishery is recovering well (Figure 2). In addition to esti- r5/mountainlakes.html and is a useful document for mating the population, the size structure of the fish- exploring the Absaroka Beartooth lakes or you can ery is evaluated and also showed signs of recovery. For access much of the information using FishMT also instance, most of the fish sampled in the spring were found at the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks website. smaller Brown Trout (< 8”) indicating a strong 2019 cohort. Additionally, there was a seven-fold increase - 66 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 overall catch rates. By the summer of 2021, these fish might grow an additional three inches in length! In conclusion, the large fish observed this year, coupled with the many small fish, suggests that Bighorn Riv- er wild trout numbers are on the rebound.

Lake Elmo

In the summer of 2019, invasive Golden (or Asian) Clams were found in Lake Elmo, introduced from an undetermined source Figure 2. Population estimates (fish-per-mile) for the total number of trout and for (Photo 2). Both shell fragments, and live Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout in 2019 (blue) and 2020 (orange) on both FWP adult and juvenile clams have been discov- sampling sections of the Bighorn River, MT. ered in the lake, mainly in water less than in the number of Brown Trout longer than 18” from 6 feet deep. Currently, this is the only con- 2019. Fall sampling on the lower section of the Bighorn firmed presence of Golden Clams in the state of Mon- River further confirmed the presence of many young tana. Results from additional surveys in the lake, nearby Brown Trout that appear to be quickly growing into streams, ditches, and other irrigation storage reservoirs catchable fish. Even though fewer small Rainbow Trout in 2019 and 2020 suggest that Golden Clams only exist were collected in 2020 (again, probably a result of the in Lake Elmo. Golden Clams are undesirable because high flushing flows in the summer of 2019), - recruit they can clog irrigation and water system infrastruc- ment is still occurring, and the average length of Rain- ture, filter and remove important food sources needed bow Trout increased over an inch from the previous by other species (such as fish and turtles) and promote year. In addition to these positive signs, the 2020 sam- the growth of bacteria and algae. Furthermore, the pling season showed impressive increases in weight. shells of dead Golden Clams can be sharp and poten- For example, in 2016 average weight for Bighorn trout tially create a safety hazard for people using the lake. in the 15” length class was 1.17 pounds. In 2020, the average weight of this length class increased to 1.53 pounds. One advantage of having a smaller population is less competition among fish which generally produces bigger and healthier fish!

Moving forward into 2021, the number of wild trout in the Bighorn River is expected to increase given good environmental conditions this winter and next spring. The 2020 water year was slightly below average which is conducive to young trout survival, especially Rainbow Trout. Additionally, we anticipate strong recruitment for both Brown and Rainbow trout as the number of available spawners from this year (i.e., big healthy fish, Pho- to 1) is high. For the 2021 fishing season, anglers may experience less trout in the 20+” range as most of these fish are probably reaching their maximum life span. However, there are many trout currently Photo 1: Shannon Blackburn with a Brown Trout captured and released during the in the 8–11” range which could increase fall sampling on Bighorn River. Photo by Earl Radonski. - 67 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Efforts to remove remain empty until April of the population 2022. A complete drain of and prevent their the lake will present oppor- spread to other tunities to improve fish hab- waterbodies are itat, angler access, the dog underway. Cur- use area, irrigation facilities, rently, Lake Elmo and the trail near Lake Elmo is experiencing a Drive, and implement veg- partial draw-down etation and shoreline resto- of approximate- ration projects. The shortly three feet to term loss of the fishery in freeze-out shal- the winter of 2021–2022 is low overwintering not desirable but is a rare clams. In April of opportunity to create an 2021, the reservoir area that better supports will completely fill natural reproduction of wild again and remain fishes and improves the fish- full throughout the ery. A public scoping meet- Photo 2: A shell of an adult Golden (or Asian) Clam found in Lake Elmo. summer and early ing and the environmental fall. Starting in Sep- assessment has been com- tember of 2021, the pleted. Staff are now work- lake is expected to begin draining until its completely ing to finalize designs, secure funding, and prepare for empty in October or November. Lake Elmo will then the project to make as many improvements as possible.

HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES

HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES we treasure Clean drain & dry your boat and fishing gear. our waters Stop at watercraft inspection stations.

- 68 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Buffalo Creek Bryan Giordano, Fisheries Biologist

Buffalo Creek, a tributary to Slough Creek, currently presents a threat to Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in the Lamar River drainage. A telemetry study completed through Montana State University identified -Buf falo Creek as the primary source of non- native Rainbow Trout in the Lamar drainage. The Lamar River system has long been a stronghold for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in the upper Yellowstone River and the Rainbow Trout in Buffalo Creek threat- en their persistence through hybridization. Montana FWP, Yellowstone National Park, and US Forest Service will be put- ting out an Environmental Assessment (EA) to gather public comment on a plan to remove non-native Rainbow Trout in Buffalo Creek a tributary of Slough Creek with pack horses heading to camp to assist the Buffalo Creek using piscicide followed by survey crew. Photo by Mike Ruggles. establishing a Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout population. The EA will likely be out by the time this would remove the biggest threat to Yellowstone Cut- newsletter is printed. The proposed treatment if throat Trout in the Lamar River system and establish approved would begin in late summer 2020 and likely a secure population of Cutthroat moving forward. be repeated for multiple years. Overall, this project

- 69 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Region 5 Fishing Access Site Program the spring of 2019. The gravel boat ramp which also Ryan Taynton, Region 5 Fishing Access Manager served as an access point to the riverbank was total- ly lost. Temporary access was created to allow boat- For the Region 5 Fishing Access Site Program (FAS), ers and anglers access to the riverbank just under 2019-2020 were years that we made a lot of progress, the bridge. There is a lot of uncertainty concerning but also lost some ground. We started off in the spring the future of this site. With the previous year open- of 2019 with having to close the southern portion of ing the side channel and washing the road out, along Water Birch FAS which is located just south of Roberts with now losing the ramp this area may be limited on Rock Creek. The creek over the past couple of years to hand launch watercraft and shoreline access in had eroded the bank very quickly to a point where it the foreseeable future. In the following year, the became unsafe to be used as a camping area. The latrine river took even more of the bank at the site and the had to be moved to avoid having it fall into the creek latrine had to be moved so that it was not lost to the and was temporarily relocated. Planning has already river. The temporary launch was also destroyed and begun to develop the open field area to the North is now unusable. Spring runoff in 2021 will influence to include five to six new campsites along with the existing latrine. Preliminary funds have been secured and construction potentially will be in the summer of 2021. Please look for an opportunity to comment on an environmental analysis of this project early in 2021.

Early in the spring of 2019, A-Concrete began construction on the new Blue Creek FAS located just south of the South Billings Blvd bridge in Billings. This site is a cooperatively managed site between Yellowstone River Parks Association (YRPA) and FWP. Funding was provided through the Natural Resource Damage Pro- gram, YRPA and FWP. This site is now open and provides a concrete boat ramp, a vault latrine, plenty of parking and several picnic tables that were installed by YRPA.

Just west of Pompey’s Pillar, the Bundy Bridge FAS took a hit from the high flows of the Yellowstone in Indian Fort FAS access road completed in 2019. Photo by Ryan Taynton.

any future decisions that might be made for this site.

The Indian Fort FAS located just outside of Reed Point has been a popular spot for both locals and travelers alike, along with being the unofficial take out point of the Yellowstone Boat Float. In 2018, the access road had to be closed due to erosion and becoming too narrow and unsafe. Funding was secured, and in 2019, 406 Excavating completed a 500 ft. bank stabilization project which both protected the- riv erbank from future erosion and allowed the road to be brought back to its previous safer width. The site is now back open, and minor improvements have been made to the existing camping loop and sites.

In the fall of 2019, Timberline Construction completed a long-awaited project just East of Park City at the Buffalo Buffalo Mirage FAS new bridge completed Dec 2019.Photo by Ryan Taynton. Mirage FAS. The bridge had been slowly settling over sev-

- 70 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021

Left: Flow-over roadway at Grant Marsh FAS. Right: The interior road at Grant Marsh FAS. Photos by Ryan Taynton. eral years and was becoming a concern for safe passing. Funding from the 2011 Exxon oil spill provided by the Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) allowed us to install a new concrete tri-deck bridge with guardrails. The new bridge is three feet wider than the old one and will now allow safe crossing for boaters, anglers and emergency vehicles alike.

Just North of Hardin, the Grant Marsh FAS has been closed for three years. High flows on the Bighorn River caused not only the side channel crossing to wash out, but also a large section of the main roadway into the site. This fall, Pink Hill Excavating completed a full remodel of the site and it is now open for anglers, hunters, and outdoor recreationalists. The washed-out crossing has been redesigned and built as a flow-over roadway and the interior roads have been moved safely away from the main channel of the Bighorn River.

HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES CLEAN: Remove all plants and mud from boat, trailer and fishing gear. DRAIN: Pull your drain plug. Before you leave the area eliminate all water from your boat and gear. DRY: Allow time for your boat and gear to dry completely before launching somewhere else. All watercraft must stop at inspection stations

- 71 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021

- 72 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 onstrate the importance of Cisco and the link they pro- Region 6 vide between secondary production (zooplankton) and top level predators. Even with the decrease in Cisco Northeast Montana relative abundance in 2019 sampling, Cisco were found Region 6 Fisheries in 42% of Northern Pike and 21% of Walleye stomachs Steve Dalbey, Regional Fisheries Program Manager (as a percentage of stomachs that had contents). In a

New State Record Fish

Greg Haug from Bismarck, ND caught the new state record Chinook Salmon in Fort Peck Reservoir on August 16, 2020. The hog of a fish weighed 32.05 pounds and was 38 1/8 inches long. Greg caught the fish on a green squid and purple haze flasher in 55 feet over 178 feet of water. As Heath Headley mentions in his article, it was tough sledding for salmon anglers in 2020 but those fish that were landed were chunky. The Chinook record has stood for 29 years with the 2020 record breaking it by nearly a pound.

Greg Haug and his state record Chinook Salmon.

2011 study of 215 Walleye populations across Ontario, female Walleye were larger in lakes with Cisco than those without Cisco. Bottom line; Cisco are a large food item (that contain a lot of calories) that allows fish to forage less often resulting in more energy for growth.

Theron Thompson state record Smallmouth Bass.

Theron Thompson from Bozeman, MT caught a new state record Smallmouth Bass on October 3, 2020 from Fort Peck Reservoir. The fish weighed 7.84 pounds (7.51 pounds previous) and was 22 inches long (21 inches previous). Theron caught the fish on a jig and minnow. The previous record smallmouth was also caught from Fort Peck in 2017 and weighed 7.51 pounds.

These records and the tremendous weights of Wall- eyes recorded in 2020 fishing tournaments dem- Nate Cooper state record Rainbow Smelt. - 73 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 The third state record set in 2020 is a bit off the beat- impacts will occur to property and production from the en path; Nathan Cooper of Nashua caught a Rainbow proposed pallid flow. Irrigation pump sites are being Smelt in the Dredge Cuts on February 18, 2020 and surveyed as well as important irrigation related infra- realized there wasn’t a record for this species on the structure. In addition, a survey is being conducted to books. This North Dakota invader weighed 0.08 pounds estimate the economic impacts of this flow and look and was 7.1 inches long. Nathan caught the fish in a jig- for ways to mitigate these impacts. ging spoon through the ice.

Fresno Fisheries Management Plan

Montana FWP met with interested parties in Havre on March 12, 2020 to discuss Fresno Man- agement issues. Because of this meeting and recognizing the need for long-term planning, FWP will be working with stakeholders in 2021 to develop a Management Plan for Fresno Reser- voir. The following are the key issues that will be addressed in the plan: Walleye stocking, stocking of other fish, regulation changes, use of live minnows as bait, fish cleaning stations, fish habitat, fish flushing out of reservoir, and water des- ignation for Fresno (currently Milk River water is solely designated for irrigation). Montana FWP will work with stakeholders in 2021 to develop a plan that will provide direction into the future. FWP surveys an irrigation pump site for a landowner on the Missouri River. Proposed Flows from Fort Peck Reservoir to Benefit Pallid Sturgeon New Community Pond in Culbertson As Tyler Haddix mentions in his update, The US Army Corps of Engineers is developing an Environmental Ken Forbregd is a name that you should all get to Impact Statement to evaluate a flow from Fort Peck Dam know! Ken, a businessman from Culbertson and mem- as a recovery action for the endangered Pallid Sturgeon. ber of the Region 6 Citizens Advisory Council, has been For those not aware, Pallid Sturgeon have not spawned the lead organizer behind construction of a Commu- successfully since the mid-1950s! The few remaining nity Fishing Pond in Culbertson, Montana. The new wild pallids are getting really old! Biologists have done pond has been named Ike’s Fishing Pond in memory a very good job of collecting eggs from wild pallids and of the family that donated the land where the pond hatching them in the hatchery and stocking them back and walking trail are located. Ken and a host of oth- into the river. Some of these fish have survived and are ers have donated countless hours to see this pond to growing and will hopefully spawn on their own one of completion. Much of the work was donated but some these years (female pallids don’t sexually mature until wasn’t, and this is where FWP comes in. The FWP Com- they are in their early to mid-20’s). However, the Fed- munity Pond Grant is designed for exactly this type of eral Endangered Species Act requires that a species be project. FWP can cost share pond construction and able to complete its life cycle before being delisted. enhancement projects that can be shown to have a The goal of this flow proposal is to provide a spring rise direct link and benefit to a community. Please check from the dam that will stimulate sturgeon to migrate out Ike’s Fishing Pond and Walking Trail Facebook page upstream and spawn farther up the Missouri River. at: https://www.facebook.com/IkesFishingPond

As part of the effort to evaluate the effects of this FWP will stock the pond in 2021 with hatchery Rain- flow proposal, FWP is working with producers along bow Trout to provide a fishery for the Culbertson Com- the nearly 200-miles reach of river to determine what munity.

- 74 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 2019. In some areas of Montana, use is at problematic levels – that’s generally not the case in Eastern Montana. I am thankful we are still able to enjoy relatively uncrowded waters and high-quality angling opportunities.

Speaking of family, one of the highlights in 2020 was paddlefishing with my family on the Upper Missouri River. We were fortunate to draw the harvest tag and participate in the fishery this year with both of my kids harvesting their first Paddlefish.

Ken Forbregd of the Culbertson Lions Club accepts a donation for Ike’s Fishing Pond and Walking Trail. On a Personal Note

If 2020 taught us anything its that getting outdoors with friends and family is the good stuff, the safe stuff. Angler and general outdoor recreation use was up at most R6 Fishing Access Sites. Angling pressure appears to be up across the state and R6 waters were no exception. As an example, use on Fort Peck Reservoir increased nearly 22% from 2017 to 2019. FWP completes angling pressure estimates on odd numbered years but anecdot- Steve Dalbey and his daughter, Abby, with a young male Paddlefish harvested on ally it appeared that use in 2020 was greater than the Missouri River upstream of Fort Peck.

Photo taken by Steve Dalbey, Region 6 Fisheries Program Manager. - 75 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Missouri River Downstream of Fort Peck Dam Tyler Haddix, Fisheries Biologist Pallid Sturgeon

In a longstanding effort to support the recovery of the species, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks continues to monitor aspects of Pallid Sturgeon life history in the Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Dam. Adult migration is conducted using surgically implanted radio telemetry tags. Tagged fish are monitored using ground- based telemetry stations situated along the Missouri River as well as manual tracking using jet boats. Stur- geon production is also monitored using icthyoplank- ton nets to capture free drifting larval sturgeon. Settled Age-1 Pallid Sturgeon. exogenous feeding larvae are monitored using a ben- Due to many years of research and monitoring of Pallid thic trawl that is pulled along the river bottom. Age- Sturgeon, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is propos- 1 and older sturgeon are monitored by drifting tram- ing to conduct a flow test for Pallid Sturgeon down- mel nets throughout the length of the Missouri River. stream of Fort Peck Dam. The idea behind this test is to see if a spring freshet from the Missouri River will As for adult migration, 2020 was a somewhat unevent- trigger adult Pallid Sturgeon to migrate into and up ful year on the Missouri River for Monitoring Pallid Stur- the Missouri River and spawn. Research has suggest- geon. Low river discharge equated to very little migration ed that if Pallid Sturgeon spawn far enough upstream of adult Pallid Sturgeon up the Missouri River. Manual in the Missouri River, there will be enough down- and remote telemetry tracking of radio tagged Pallid stream drift distance for at least a portion of their Sturgeon did not indicate that Pallid Sturgeon migrat- young larvae to survive. Currently, most Pallid Stur- ed up or spawned in the Missouri River during 2020. geon spawn in the lower Yellowstone River near Fair- view, which doesn’t seem to be far enough upstream On a more upbeat note, our benthic trawling in 2020 from the headwaters of Lake Sakakawea where the did have some interesting results. In the early summer young larvae settle in the muck and mud and parish. of 2019 Fish, Wildlife and Parks in collaboration with The proposed Fort Peck Flow Test is going through the United States Geological Service (USGS), U.S. Fish the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) pro- and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the U.S. Army Corps cess right now and is scheduled for as early as 2022. of Engineers stocked very young larval Pallid Sturgeon in the Missouri River near the town of Wolf Point. This Lower Missouri River Fishing Opportunities experiment was done to monitor how sturgeon free embryos travel in relationship to the hydraulic dynam- The Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Reservoir ics of the river. During the fall of 2019 we began collect- to the border of North Dakota offers a diversity of fishing larger Young-of-the-Year Pallid Sturgeon from this ing opportunities. The only thing lacking in this vast experiment in the lower parts of the Missouri River, stretch (~180 river miles) of river is easy public access. indicating that many of these very small free embryos The upstream portions of the Missouri River near Fort had survived to fall. Subsequently, during the summer Peck Dam have numerous access points including U.S. and fall of 2020, our benthic trawl and trammel nets Army Corps of Engineers boat ramps and the FWP sampled a number of these Pallid Sturgeon as age-1 fish, School Trust FAS. This section of river offers opportuni- which indicates that many of these fish were able to sur- ties for Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, vive the winter and grow. This is important information Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout as well as other non-game in Pallid Sturgeon recovery efforts, since it lends fur- fish. Further downstream access becomes limited, with ther evidence that the habitat in the Missouri River can the next public boat ramp at Lewis and Clark FAS off be conducive to growth and survival of Pallid Sturgeon, the Highway 13 Bridge near Wolf Point. This section of if given enough distance to drift as very young larvae. river gets much less use than its upstream counterpart.

- 76 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 However, Sauger and Walleye are still common as well and spawning occurs annually. This fishery is under- as Channel Catfish and Shovelnose Sturgeon. Further utilized when compared to the Upper Missouri River downstream, the next public boat ramp is at Culbert- (upstream of Fort Peck Dam) and the Yellowstone River. son FAS. This area has excellent walleye fishing in the spring and fall, with large walleye migrating upstream out of Lake Sakakawea. Again, Shovelnose Sturgeon and Channel Catfish are also abundant in the lower sections of the Missouri River. The furthest downstream access is located at Snowden Bridge FAS. This FAS has a primitive boat ramp and some excellent fishing. Similarly to the Culbertson area, Walleye are abundant in the spring and fall, but can be found year round.

Paddlefish.

Missouri River Dredge Cuts Tyler Haddix, Fisheries Biologist

Our long-term sampling of the Missouri River Dredge Cuts indicate that Walleye are quite abundant and healthy with excellent relative weights. Anglers in the Missouri River and the Dredge Cuts just downstream of Fort Peck Dam have had excellent angling the past several years. The bite starts early in the spring and continues throughout the summer months. Anglers that can’t get on Fort Peck Reservoir due to wind, of- Shovelnose Sturgeon. ten take advantage of the Dredge Cuts, which is usually much more protected and fishable on a windy day.

Paddlefish snagging opportunities are available in As mentioned in previous editions of the newsletter, the Missouri River with a Yellow Paddlefish Tag (good Channel Catfish are very abundant in the Dredge Cuts for lower Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers). The sea- and are underutilized by anglers. The Dredge Cuts and son runs from May 15 to June 30 or whenever the adjacent river sections are host a very diverse fish- harvest quota is reached. Fishing can only be con- ery. Species range from Lake Trout to lake Whitefish ducted on the harvest days of Tuesday, Wednesday, (two nonnative species) to Shovelnose Sturgeon and Friday or Saturday. No snag and release opportunities Sauger (natives). Although many use boats to fish exist on the Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck the Dredge Cuts, it is not necessary to have excellent Dam. Although most of the land along the upper por- fishing. Shore fishing opportunities exist for Chan- tion of the Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck nel Catfish, using a worm or cut-bait on the bottom. Dam are privately owned (or on the Fort Peck Indian Local shore anglers often land trophy sized Wall- Reservation), a few areas are available to the pub- eye and Northern Pike in the Dreg Cuts, especially lic (State DNRC and BLM lands). However, if permis- in low light conditions in the late evening to dark. sion is obtained, anglers can fish from private lands. Probably the most unique “fishing” opportunity afford- ed in the Dredge Cuts is archery fishing for Paddlefish. Paddlefish migrate upstream from Lake Sakakawea Anglers can purchase a blue Dredge Cut Paddlefish tag in the spring into the Missouri River and tend to con- and harvest one fish from July 1 to August 31, using a gregate in areas from Wolf Point upstream. Although bow and arrow. Bow anglers not only enjoy searching higher flow years usually equates to more Paddle- for Paddlefish, but also enjoy harvesting other fishes fish in the Missouri, migration of adults upstream such as common carp, Bigmouth and Smallmouth Buf-

- 77 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 falo and River Carpsuckers, all of which are extremely of fish to enjoy a mixed bag fishing day. This reservoir abundant. Currently there are no limits on the num- is getting quite popular with kayak anglers, partial- ber of blue Paddlefish tags sold, however FWP will ly because the reservoir has a no wake restriction in continue to monitor this fishery to make sure that place. If you want to get away from crowds, kayak or future generations can enjoy this unique opportunity. canoe on a relatively calm pond and fish for a variety of warm water game fish, give the Trout Pond a try! Lower Milk River Tyler Haddix, Fisheries Biologist Whitetail Reservoir

The lower Milk River fishery is becoming more and Whitetail Reservoir has an abundance of small to more popular with anglers. During the spring and medium sized Northern Pike. Whitetail Reservoir also early summer months anglers congregate in the area hosts Yellow Perch and Fathead Minnows as a forage of the Milk River just upstream from its confluence fish. The Yellow Perch population fluctuates from year with the Missouri River. Walleye and Sauger are the to year with anglers mostly targeting them through targeted fish for most anglers, with good numbers of the ice during the winter months. Anglers are encour- each being caught. In addition to Walleye and Sauger, aged to keep some of these smaller Northern Pike Channel Catfish are very abundant in the lower Milk to help reduce some of the predation that is occur- River and can easily be caught using traditional catfish ring on smaller Yellow Perch. Small Northern Pike can baits. The size catfish you catch is often closely related make great pickled fish. No need to remove Y-bones to the bait you are using. While worms can catch any when pickling pike, so look for a recipe in a cookbook size Channel Catfish, the bigger fish are more often or online and keep a limit of small Northern Pike! caught using larger baits, such as cut-bait or live frogs. Other Eastern Region 6 Ponds Eastern Region 6 Prairie Ponds Tyler Haddix, Fisheries Biologist Numerous other smaller prairie ponds are located within the eastern portion of Region 6. Many of these Dredge Cut Trout Pond ponds are managed as Rainbow Trout fisheries, but other opportunities for Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch Trout Pond located near the Fort Peck Dredge Cut’s, and Black Crappie exist. While most of these ponds are is a potpourri of game fish, with Northern Pike, Large- not sampled on an annual basis, FWP monitors these mouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Walleye and some fisheries and produces a Region 6 Prairie Ponds Book- Channel Catfish. This small reservoir also hosts non- let which contains stocking, sampling and location game fish such as Common Carp, Bigmouth and Small- information. These Booklets can be obtained at either mouth Buffalo and White Suckers. While the fishery the Glasgow or the Havre FWP office. An updated ver- holds very few “trophy” sized fish, there are plenty sion of the Region 6 Ponds Book was produced in 2020.

Whitetail Fishing Access Site. Prairie Pond. - 78 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Fresno Reservoir tive abundance of perch observed in Fresno since 2011. Cody Nagel, Fisheries Biologist The current population is comprised of fish between 6-12 inches. Since 2017, FWP has partnered with the Fresno Reservoir pool levels were good from April Fresno Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited to increase Yel- through early June, creating good spawning condi- low Perch spawning habitat utilizing recycled Christmas tions for most species. Summer seining efforts identi- trees. Approximately 500+ trees have been donated fied excellent natural reproduction for Walleye, good and used to construct “spawning reefs” at five loca- reproduction of Spottail Shiners and below average tions in the Kremlin and Kein Bay areas. All structures reproduction of Yellow Perch and Black Crappie. were placed in 6-15 feet of water and checked to verify use. All reefs checked indicate Yellow Perch are depos- In May 2020, a catastrophic failure to Drop 5 (a compo- iting their egg skeins on the structures, suggesting Yel- nent of the water delivery infrastructure system on the low Perch utilize these spawning reefs when available. Milk St Mary system) severely impacted water Over the last twelve delivery and users throughout the Milk River years FWP has doc- basin that rely on this water for irrigation, umented several municipal and recreational benefits (for more good to excellent info on the Milk River Project visit https:// Yellow Perch and www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=352). Black Crappie year- The failure at Drop 5 impacted flow in the classes; yet the Milk River above Fresno and resulted in a sig- ability of these two nificant draw- species to survive, down of the grow and recruit reservoir. Fres- to adults remains a no pool eleva- Fresno Reservoir-Looking upstream from challenge. tions dropped Brown’s Bay. approximately In an effort to 27 feet from increase angling opportunities at Fresno, FWP June 1 to Sep- stocked approximately 30,000 catchable Rainbow tember 30. Trout in 2020. The stocked rainbows averaged 8 Repairs to the inches and were stocked later in the summer in drop structures an effort to decrease predation by Northern Pike Fresno Reservoir-Looking downstream from Brown’s Bay. were com- and Walleye. pleted in early October 2020. Water was diverted into Fresno in late The Fresno fishery is highly dependent on water con- October, which increased pool elevations by approxi- ditions; water levels greatly impact the reproduc- mately eight feet and helped buffer pool elevations for tion, survival, and condition of forage and sport fish the spring spawning period in 2021. throughout the reservoir. Standard fall gill net surveys suggest Walleye relative abundance increased in 2020 to 22.4 Walleye/ net. Sustained Walleye abundance is primarily influenced by relatively stable reservoir levels, excellent spring spawning conditions, and good natural reproduction. Fresno contains multiple age classes of Walleye, with good densities of 9-20-inch fish (2-7-year-old). Northern Pike relative abundance has remained stable at 3.5 pike/net, most of these fish range from 20-30 inches.

Yellow Perch abundance was above average in 2020 at 4.1 perch/net and was the highest rela- Fresno Reservoir Walleye Relative Abundance 2016-2020. - 79 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Fort Peck Reservoir most abundant species captured once again in 2020. Heath Headley, Fisheries Biologist Relative abundance of Walleye was 3.2 per net in 2020 which is slightly below the long-term average of 3.8 per Fort Peck Reservoir saw a small rise in water levels in net. Walleye numbers were highest from the dam area 2020. Reservoir elevations rose approximately six feet to the Hell Creek area during these standardized sam- from March into July due to average snowpack condi- pling surveys. Averaged size of Walleye captured was tions, but spring and summer precipitation events were 17.7 inches and 2.9 pounds which was up slightly from few and far between. This resulted in a minimal amount the previous year. Age and growth information from of shoreline vegetation being flooded compared to the Walleye otoliths provided additional insight into year previous two years and provided very little spawning/ class strength and indicated good numbers of two and rearing habitat for some fish species. Since July, reser- three-year old fish that averaged 9 and 12-inch fish, voir elevations have slowly decreased three feet to pre- respectively. In addition, a prevalent group of nine-year pare for runoff the upcoming 2021 season. However, all old (2011-year class) fish were observed along with boat ramps along the reservoir should be usable once older fish aged all the way up to 23-years old. The con- again based on “average” runoff scenarios in 2021. tinued presence of numerous, older Walleye indicate there is suitable habitat, good forage conditions, and The Walleye egg-taking effort in the upper Big Dry Arm low mortality rates (both natural and harvest) which of Fort Peck Reservoir was a success in 2020 due good make it possible to live this long in Fort Peck Reservoir. numbers of healthy, egg-laden female Walleye averaging approximately 25 inches and favorable conditions during the spawn. Trap netting efforts com- menced on April 8th and water temperatures warmed gradually from the mid to upper-40’s. These ideal temperatures occurred during the peak of Wall- eye spawning activity which yielded 69 million eggs and surpassed the 55 million egg goal. This resulted in 4.8 million Walleye fingerlings which was the most fingerlings planted into Fort Peck Reservoir since the Fort Peck hatchery began production in 2006. A total of 22.8 million fry were also released into Fort Peck Reservoir in 2020. Addi- tional water bodies in Montana were also stocked due to this annual effort. Fish culturist, Ryan Lott, with one of the numerous mid-20 inch Walleye captured during the spring trap netting and egg collection effort. Typically, upwards of 100 volunteers from the public participate in the Walleye trap netting Although many anglers visiting Fort Peck Reservoir and egg-taking operation. However, this year, due to target Walleye, they should not overlook the opportu- health and safety concerns as a result of COVID-19, nity to chase Norther Pike, Smallmouth Bass, or Chan- no volunteers participated. Instead, the spawn was nel Catfish. All three species are at or slightly above conducted by Region 6 staff operating under COVID their long-term average. In 2020, average size of pike guidelines. It’s uncertain what the volunteer program sampled was 25.2 inches and 4.3 pounds which was will look like or if it will happen in 2021, but anglers slightly higher than the previous year. Anglers should should know FWP looks forward to getting all of you expect smallmouth to average around 13 inches but back into the field assisting with one of the largest also have a shot at others that may weigh upwards of and most successful volunteer programs on record. five pounds and larger. A new state record was caught by Theron Thompson that weighed in at 7.84 pounds. Annual gill netting surveys indicated Walleye were the Best locations during summer for Smallmouth Bass are

- 80 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 the Big Dry Arm and upstream from Hell Creek. Chan- ing deepwater netting surveys for Chinook Salmon, nel Catfish are another overlooked fishing opportunity Lake Trout, and Cisco at depths of 60 to 100 feet deep! and are typically most abundant in the upper portion of the reservoir and upper Big Dry Arm area. In 2020, The Chinook Salmon fishing on Fort Peck was bitter- average size of Channel Catfish sampled was 19.9 inch- sweet in 2020. A few successful anglers managed es and 3.1 pounds which was similar the previous year. to catch some chinooks towards the end of July and early August, but the catching quickly faded as summer progressed into fall. The bright- side was that the salmon caught this season were very large and a new state record was set. Greg Haug from Bismarck caught a chinook that tipped the scales at 32.05 pounds breaking the old record set in 1991 by nearly a pound. Even though chinook catch rates were low, Fort Peck fisheries and hatchery staff had a productive Chinook Salmon collection and egg-taking effort in 2020. Water temperatures cooled to 57 F in early Octo- ber which pushed the salmon shallow and into spawning mode. Thanks to some very Walleye taking advantage on the abundance of young-of-year Cisco during summer netting surveys in 2020. This Walleye had nine young-of-year Cisco in it’s large females and 1:1 male to female ratio, stomach!

Forage fish surveys on Fort Peck Reservoir showed mixed results in 2020. Shoreline forage fish (Yellow Perch, Crappie, Spottail Shiners, and Emerald Shiners) abundance decreased from 244 fish/seine to 91 fish/seine in 2020. This was due to very limited flooded shoreline vegetation which creates additional spawning and rearing habitat for these forage fish species. This is dis- couraging because these species are important for the growth and survival of smaller Walleye (< 15 inches) and other predatory fish in Fort Peck Reservoir. In contrast, coldwater forage fish (Cis- co) netting results in September showed positive results in 2020. A large group of young-of-year Cisco averaging 5 inches were captured along Fisheries technician, Bill Viste, with a hefty male Chinook Salmon captured dur- with good numbers of larger adults that averaged ing fall collection and spawning efforts. approximately 9 inches. The increased abundance of both small and large-sized Cisco resulted in improved relative weights/condition of the medium a total of 425,589 eggs were collected this fall which and larger Walleye (> 15 inches) and several other was only 6,000 fewer eggs collected than in 2019. gamefish species. The one downfall of high abundance Compared to previous years, adult salmon collected of Cisco in the system can sometimes lead to lower in 2020 were rather large. Average weight of females angler catch rates. Not only is there more food to eat, captured in 2020 was 18.9 pounds compared to 14.5 but many gamefish species will follow this food source pounds in 2019. The largest female captured weighed into deeper, colder water as summer progresses mak- 28 pounds and a male that weighed 27 pounds!! ing it difficult for anglers to target. In fact, Walleye Female salmon to be comprised largely of 4-year old and Norther Pike are often captured while conduct- fish (94%) which would explain the increase in weights.

- 81 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Havre Area Ponds bers of Walleye in the 2-3 pound range (16-20 inches). Cody Nagel, Fisheries Biologist Reservoirs such as Baileys, Beaver Creek, Dry Fork, Anita, Ester and Cow Creek all contain good Walleye fisheries. Fish, Wildlife & Parks manages approximately 100 small Bass - This area contains many Largemouth Bass fish- ponds and reservoirs located on both public and private eries, with 1-3 pound fish common. Reservoirs such lands throughout Hill, Blaine, and Phillips Counties. as Don’s, North Faber, Salmo, Lark, PR 054, PR 022, The fisheries are very diverse, with some ponds being Doucette, Cole Ponds, Sagebrush, Taint, and Wapiti managed as Rainbow or Brook Trout fisheries, and oth- all contain good Largemouth Bass populations. There ers as warm water fisheries that could contain Bluegill, are also good angling opportunities for smallmouth Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Wall- bass at Bearpaw Lake and Beaver Creek Reservoir. eye, Tiger Muskie, Black Crappie, or Channel Catfish. Yellow Perch - Good Yellow Perch fisheries exist in Ani- ta, Cow Creek, Baileys, Bison Bone, Ester. McChesney Water conditions have remained good to excellent and Beaver Creek Reservoirs. Most of these fisheries throughout most of the region and have contrib- contain good numbers of 6-8 inch fish, with perch up uted to some excellent to 13 inches present as well. fishing opportunities. Black Crappie - Opportuni- ties exist at Baileys, North Rainbow Trout - Trout Polly, Anita, Choteau, growth in these prai- McChesney, Ester, Hump rie ponds is very good, and Flintstone Reservoirs. and reports of trout up Black Crappie in these to four pounds are com- impoundments average mon. Rainbow Trout 7-10 inches but fish over 12 are stocked annually at inches is always a possibility. most of these reservoirs. Bluegill - Opportunities Reservoirs such as Bear- exist at Bailey’s, Dons, BR paw Lake, Beaver Creek, 047, North Faber, April, Anderson, Anita, H.C. Flintstone, Taint, Lark, Sage- Kuhr, Choteau, Doucette, brush, PR 016, Wapiti, and Sentinel, King, Hump, Karsten Coulee Reservoirs. Flintstone, Grasshopper, Bluegill in these impound- Faber, North and South ments typically average Polly, and North Faber 6-8 inches but fish over 10 have continued to pro- inches are also common. duce both quantity and quality Rainbow Trout. Anglers looking to experi- Northern Pike - Several ence the excellent fishing quality pike fisheries exist some of these ponds have to in the area. Though typi- offer are encouraged to stop cally not known for tro- by the Havre Area Resource phy pike, many of these office and pick up the- lat smaller impoundments est version of the Region often have high densities 6 pond guide or download of 3-5 pound fish, with Young anglers enjoying the pike opportunities at Bailey’s Reservoir. it from the Region 6 web- good catch rates report- page located on the FWP ed. Reservoirs such as Baileys, Beaver Creek Reservoir, website (http://fwp.mt.gov/regions/r6/). The fisheries Dry Fork, PR 161, Ester, McChesney, and Wildhorse on some of these ponds are greatly affected by water are consistent producers of good pike populations. levels and winter severity. Anglers should be aware Walleye - Walleye typically exhibit fast growth rates in that landowner permission may be required to access these smaller impoundments but rarely achieve trophy some of these ponds and should plan accordingly. status. Many of the Walleye fisheries contain good num-

- 82 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Nelson Reservoir Cody Nagel, Fisheries Biologist

In May 2020, a catastrophic failure to Drop 5 severely impacted water delivery and users throughout the Milk Riv- er basin that rely on this water for irrigation, municipal and recreational benefits (for more info on the Milk River Project visit https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=352). Water conditions in Nelson Reservoir remained good throughout 2020, despite the water shortages within the Milk River basin. All immediate repairs to the drop structures were completed in October 2020 and water delivery in 2021 should mimic historic operations.

Water and habitat conditions have been good the last three years and this fishery remains strong. Walleye relative abundance has fluctuated the last few years with high relative abundance observed in 2020 at 18.3 Walleye/net. This is above the five-year average of 16.1 Walleye/net. The Walleye population is comprised mostly of 10-18- inch fish. Northern Pike relative abundance remained stable at 3.6 pike/net; the current pike population is comprised of quality fish (20-30 inches). Yellow Perch densities in Nelson have been high since 2011, following very strong year-classes produced from 2009-2011. In 2018, Yellow Perch relative abundance significantly increased and remained high in 2019 at 27.2 perch/net. Yel- low Perch relative abundance fell to 19.5 perch/net in 2020 and remains very strong. The current population is comprised mostly of 5-8-inch fish and will continue to provide good Nelson Walleye relative abundance 2016-2020. forage and angling opportunities.

Meet the New Fish Management Biologist in Northeast Montana Jared Krebs, Fisheries Biologist

Hello! My name is Jared Krebs and I am a Minnesota native originally from Sauk Rapids. During my undergraduate tenure I attended St. Cloud State University where I graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology. While at St. Cloud State, I worked as an intern for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on a Walleye hooking mortality study on Mille Lacs Lake. Following graduation, I spent my summer and fall seasons working in Yellowstone National Park as project manager for a Lake Trout removal project on Yellowstone Lake with Hickey Brothers Research. During the winters, I resided in Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin where I worked as a fisheries research technician on Lake Michigan for both Hickey Brothers Research and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

In 2019, I continued my work in fisheries conducting research on Muskel- lunge in Green Bay, Lake Michigan through the completion of my Master’s degree in Fisheries at the Univer- sity of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, graduating in the fall of 2020. I am extremely humbled and excited for the opportunity to begin working for Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Being an avid angler and hunter myself, I am looking forward to working in northeast Montana where such diverse fishing and hunting opportunities exist. In addition, I am eager to meet and start working with the people and communities of Northeastern Montana.

- 83 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Upper Missouri River Paddlefish In 2020, 336 Paddlefish were mandatorily reported as Cody Nagel, Fisheries Biologist harvested on the Upper Missouri River (1,000 harvest tags were issued in the lottery). Females comprised A valuable recreational snag fishery occurs each year 48% of the harvest and angling pressure was spread for Paddlefish above Fort Peck Reservoir to Fort Ben- throughout the six-week season, with the majority of ton (White Tag). The Paddlefish season on the Upper harvest occurring during the first four weeks. In recent Missouri River runs from May 1 - June 15. Regulations years, harvest require anglers wanting to harvest a Paddlefish to apply of Fort Peck and draw (via lottery; up to a party of five) for a tag that Paddlefish has will allow for the harvest of one Paddlefish. Unsuccess- varied with ful applicants and anglers who only want to snag and annual river release are limited to snag and release fishing on the discharges but Upper Missouri River only. Applications are available in has ranged early March, with the deadline to apply being March 26. between 250 and 350 fish. The 2020 Paddlefish season on the Upper Missouri Riv- Historically, er was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which lead fishermen to some adjustments by both FWP and the anglers anx- have caught iously waiting to snag Paddlefish. In 2020, only anglers female Pad- possessing a harvest tag were able to snag for Paddle- dlefish weigh- fish, this decision was difficult and was implemented ing over 100 to increase social distancing at popular campsites and lbs and up fishing access areas. Furthermore, there were no onsite to 60 years FWP creel clerks present to collect important infor- old. Current- mation from anglers who harvested a Paddlefish. In ly, the adult place of the creel clerks, FWP erected four self-report- population is ing creel boxes where anglers could collect, record comprised of and submit their harvested Paddlefish information. fish between Those anglers that submitted complete information 12 and 40 (i.e. angler info, length, sex and jawbone for ageing) years old. received a 2020 Upper Missouri River Paddlefish hat. FWP continues to annually tag Pad- dlefish, and we encour- Upper Missouri River harvested Paddlefish self- age anglers report box. to return tags with information on location and size of fish harvested or released to the Havre Area Resource Office 265- 6177. This information allows biologists to determine survival, harvest, and growth rates of Paddle- fish in the Upper Missouri River. The angler will also get information back pertaining to the location, size, and date the Paddlefish was originally tagged. The Paddlefish population remains stable and anglers should expect another great spring “run” in 2021. Reward hat sent to Paddlefish anglers that completed all paddlefish reporting requirements.

- 84 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Region 6 Fishing Access Update Several of the ponds and reservoirs in Region 6 are locat- Dave Fuller, Region 6 Fishing Access Site Manager ed on private lands. These landowners have agreed to allow public access. However, the landowner does not In addition to the formal Fishing Access Sites (FAS) that forfeit any private property rights, including the right to you are accustomed to (brown sign with a fish and hook), deny such access at any time. Please remember: Land - there are several other fishing access opportunities in owner permission is required to access any private land. Regional 6. This year, we will be publishing an updated Contacting landowners for permission is only required Region 6 Pond Fishing Guide. This guide includes near- on ponds that specifically state landowner permission ly a hundred public and private ponds that are man- is required, see the comments section of the guide. aged by Fish, Wildlife & Parks manages for recreational fishing. A variety of species are managed, including Yel- When you visit one of these sites remem- low Perch, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, ber to leave the site better than you found it! and prairie stocked Rainbow Trout. These ponds vary greatly in size, although all have the potential to cre- Lastly, there are several capital projects on our ate excellent and fun fishing opportunities. Within this FAS’ that are going through the long permitting guide, you will see; the name, location, ownership, process that we can hopefully update you on in species present and what fish are stocked. There is the next issue of the Annual Fishing Newsletter. also a map and directions to each pond or reservoir. Until then – Good Fishin’. Northeast Montana is a diverse and sometimes harsh environment. The ponds in the region are extremely dynamic due to the nature of the prairie. Winter kills, varying water conditions, and extreme summer heat can all play a part in changing a good fishing pond into one that needs attention. Our staff is committed to managing the ponds which includes routine sampling, stocking hatchery Rainbow Trout, and transferring fish from other ponds (after they have been disease and aquatic invasive species test- ed). However, due to the size of the area, we can benefit from you letting us know how the fishing is.

Sampling efforts usually take place on ponds starting in mid to late summer and through the fall. There are so many ponds in the region that only the most popular ponds are sampled every year. Ponds that receive less angling pressure are usually sampled every 2-4 years.

Stocking enhance the fishing in a most of these prairie ponds. Warm water fish species are generally stocked only once with the goal of establishing a self-sustaining sport fish population. These species (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Walleye, perch, etc.) generally take 2-3 years to grow to catchable size for anglers. Warm water species are generally stocked in ponds and reservoirs that have more constant water temperatures and water levels. Additionally, ponds with depths greater than 15 feet generally overwinter fish better than shal- lower ponds. Trout species are generally stocked annu- A happy angler at one of our ponds. ally as put, grow, and take due to their rapid growth and their inability to reproduce in the pond environment.

- 85 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Region 7 Southeast Montana Communal Stream Project Improves Boater Access & Safety at Miles City Mike Backes, Regional Fisheries Program Manager

While using a popular gravel bar on the Yellowstone River, Duncan an avid angler and active member of the local Walleye’s Unlimited (WU) chapter, won- dered if the remnants of an old concrete bridge pier and I-beams (pre 1950’s) could be removed. At low river flows this debris become a tripping and boating hazard; anglers frequently mark the I-beams with red flags or orange cones. Duncan approached Mike Backes (FWP Region 7 Fish Manager and AFS member) to see what permits were needed for the local WU chapter to remove the debris. DOT removing old bridge pier. Photo by Duncan Bartholomew.

Reflecting on the issue and proximity of the debris to existing bridge piers, Backes called the Mon- tana Department of Trans- portation (MDT) for guid- ance. After a responsive (less than 24 hours) field inspection completed by DOT employees including Larry Sickerson (MDT Glendive District Biologist and a longtime Montana AFS member), the DOT committed to removing the debris. With worries of missing the short fall window of low river flows required to do the work, FWP staff completed a joint application for the project on behalf of the Miles City 7th Street Bridge – Debris Removal Project. Photos by Mike Backes. DOT. After receiving the necessary permits (ACOE Nation Wide Permit, DNRC Letter of Authorization, ported by multiple employees from two state FWP SPA 124 Permit, DEQ 318 Certification) the agencies and a federal agency. The idea and effort DOT staff from Miles City removed the structures resulted in a quick and economical fix to remove old while members of the local WU chapter observed. bridge infrastructure, improving the form and function of the river while perpetuating multiple- recre This work was an excellent example of a coopera- ational and aesthetic uses of the Yellowstone River. tion project initiated by a local citizen andsup- Excellent results for a wild idea, thank you Duncan! - 86 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Yellowstone River Fishing Opportunities are cooler anglers targeting sturgeon with worms will Caleb Bollman, Fisheries Biologist lose less bait to small catfish. On May 15th the Lower Yellowstone River Paddlefish season kicks off. Consider The Lower Yellowstone continues to provide excep- a family camping/fishing trip to one of the Yellowstone tional angling opportunity for a variety of warm-water River fishing access sites or wildlife management areas fish. Anglers can target game species including Channel to bait fish for catfish and Shovelnose Sturgeon and Catfish, Sauger, Walleye, Shovelnose Sturgeon, Small- participate in the Paddlefish snagging season. Feeding mouth Bass, and Northern Pike. The natural hydro- well in turbid water Channel Catfish can be targeted graph of the Yellowstone River influences when indi- with success almost anytime during the open water vidual species are catchable, but there is opportunity season. Channel Catfish are the most abundant sport throughout the open water season. After ice out, in fish encountered in the Lower Yellowstone River where the spring (March) and before high water (June) from six to eight-pound fish are common and 10 to 15 pound mountain snow melt anglers target Walleye, Sauger, fish are observed in surveys regularly. Worms, shrimp, and Smallmouth Bass. Water clarity determines the and minnows can be used to catch smaller catfish duration of the spring fishing window for these sight while larger fish are best targeted using large chunks feeding species. Sauger are more abundant down- of fresh cut bait (Goldeye and White Sucker). Goldeye stream of the mouth of the Powder River, but average will bite on live bait, soft plastics, and lures and can be size of individuals increases as you go upstream. The entertaining using ultra light tackle or fly-fishing gear. Yellowstone offers trophy potential for Walleye with Beginning in August anglers can again be found casting 10+ pound fish sampled in the reach of river from Miles crankbaits, jigging, and trolling for Sauger, Walleye, and City to Hysham. Smallmouth Bass are more abundant Smallmouth Bass. Depending on water clarity the fall in the less turbid reach of river upstream of Miles City. fishing window can extend until ice up usually occur- April and May are excellent months to target Shovel- ring sometime in November. Late fall can be an excel- nose Sturgeon and if done while water temperatures lent time for the serious Sauger and Walleye anglers.

Bridger Bollman with Shovelnose Sturgeon on the Yellowstone River. Photo by Caleb Bollman. - 87 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Tongue River Reservoir Caleb Bollman, Fisheries Biologist

The 2020 fall survey at Tongue River Reservoir was positive for most species with crappie as the exception. Crappie counts were down near the 20-year low that was observed in 2011. Walleye counts were near the 20-year high observed in 2016. Northern Pike have been naturally reproducing since the dam rebuild created suitable spawning habitat. Their abundances remain low compared to Walleye and crappie but seems to be steadily increasing and offers anglers’ additional opportunity. Bass continue to offer quality angling opportunity on the reservoir and a tailrace trout fishery in the Tongue River below the dam for Rainbow and Brown Trout provides a diversity of angling opportunity that is hard to find in just one location.

Expect fishing in 2021 to remain tough for crappie. Expect Walleye fishing to improve as survey numbers are on the rise and an we continue to see signs of younger age classes that will recruit to desirable size categories in coming years. An angler fishing from the bank or in a boat is likely to catch a mixed bag. Tongue River Reservoir supports populations of Black Crappie, White Crappie, Walleye, Small- mouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Chan- nel Catfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, and Yellow Perch.

Savannah Bollman and cousin Evie Fisher with a Northern Pike. Photo by Caleb Bollman. - 88 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Pallid Sturgeon Translocation on the captured at Intake on May 28th, released upstream of Yellowstone River the dam, and swam upstream to Miles City and entered Mat Rugg, Fisheries Biologist the Tongue River. The upstream movement of Code 227 after being translocated from Intake was in excess Pallid Sturgeon migrations upstream into the Yellow- of 100 miles in 2020. Similarly, several individuals have stone River have been inhibited by Intake Diversion migrated upstream to the Powder River Confluence Dam (Intake) since its construction in 1909. The US and continued up into the Powder River for 100 miles. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Bureau of Recla- Another interesting finding from translocation efforts mation (USBR) recently began construction on a new was the use of the Yellowstone River upstream of the bypass channel in the summer of 2019 that is expected Powder River confluence. Prior to this work, it was to improve passage at Intake for Pallid Sturgeon and speculated that Pallid Sturgeon may use the reach of other species. In the meantime, the U.S. Fish & Wild- Yellowstone River upstream of the Powder River, but life Service mandated it had not been doc- that U.S. Bureau of umented. Several Reclamation (USBR) Pallid Sturgeon that begin a translocation have been translo- program in 2017. Crews cated upstream of actively seek individu- Intake have made als equipped with radio runs upstream to the transmitters that are Miles City area and near Intake, attempt even upstream as far to capture them via as Cartersville Diver- drifted trammel nets, sion at Forsyth (riv- and subsequently trans- er mile 235). Most port them upstream of translocated Pallid Intake via a haul tank. Sturgeon eventually move back down- Since translocation stream over Intake began, USBR has manu- once the spring ally hauled 34 Pallid runoff has subsid- Sturgeon from down- ed. However, a few stream to upstream of individuals have Intake. From there, FWP remained upstream crews have relocated and have seemingly the individuals weekly, taken up residency sometimes daily, to in habitats upstream monitor the upstream of the dam. extent of their migrations, document habi- Translocation tat use, and evaluate efforts are expected for potential spawn- to continue during activity. A common ing the construc- theme regarding Pallid tion period for the Sturgeon behavior post Intake bypass channel passage project. translocation is that Mat Rugg with Pallid Sturgeon in Yellowsotne River. Photo by Jordan Pesik. many exhibit extensive Biologists hope to upstream movements continue to learn in the Yellowstone River about Pallid Stur- and tributaries. For example, one adult male (Code 227) geon use of this reach of river upstream of the dam. has been moved upstream of Intake each year since the Knowledge gained will help direct monitoring efforts translocation program began. In 2020, Code 227 was once the bypass channel is completed and functional.

- 89 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Southeastern Montana Ponds Kevin McKoy, Fisheries Biologist

Of the 100+ ponds managed for fish in the regional pond program, most are privately owned and require landowner permission to fish. In exchange for fish stocking and management, landowners allow public access. Ponds are stocked with a variety of fish including bass, catfish, crappie, perch, and trout. About one third of the ponds are sampled each year and survey results are summarized in the Region 7 Pond Fishing Guide. Surveys in 2020 found 45 of 55 ponds sampled had fishable populations of target species. State hatcheries stocked 68 ponds in Region 7 in 2020 and regional staff conducted wild fish transfers to nine ponds. The Region 7 Pond Fishing Guide is updated annually, free to the public and available at the Miles City office or by calling 406-234-0900. The 2021 guide should be available by mid-March 2021. The guide provides maps of the ponds arranged by county. Ownership and fishery information is also provided in the booklet, including private landowner names and survey results. Use the pond guide or call the Miles City office to get updated information on ponds that have recently experienced fish kills or are reportedly fishing well. As with all private lands, permission is granted through the landowner and must be obtained each and every time before fishing. It is the responsibility of the angler to look up the landowner’s phone number and request permission to Troy Backes with a Yellow Perch from South Sandstone Reservoir. Photo fish. Pond anglers in FWP region 7 are likely to see simi- by Mike Backes. lar conditions as last year in 2021 as ponds throughout much of the region filled in the spring of 2020 and went into this winter with good depth promoting fish survival.

Region 7 Fishing Access Update Jamie Hould, Region 7 Fishing Access Site Manager

In the summer of 2016, Ron Stevens, a long-time Fish- voir FAS, South Sandstone FAS, and 12 Mile Dam FAS. ing Access Site (FAS) supporter in Region 7 came to FAS staff inquiring about the feasibility of an ADA fish- Ron Stevens passed away in October of 2020. He ing pier at one of the two Fishing Access Sites in For- was instrumental in the addition of nine recreation- syth along the Yellowstone River. After three years of al improvement projects at East and West Rosebud monitoring the proposed site and many designs and Fishing Access Sites in Forsyth including picnic tables, redesigns later, the project came to fruition in the fall fire pits, benches, sidewalks and the fishing pier. Ron of 2019. The new ADA fishing pier is located at the was a great partner to the agency and a pleasure to East Rosebud FAS just below the Cartersville diver- work with. A very driven individual, he had a great sion dam and positioned over a lucrative fishing hole. passion for improving the quality of life for resi- The project was funded with FAS Capital Improvement dents in the Forsyth area and didn’t take no for an dollars as well as a donation from Ron. Having com- answer. In his words, “The funds I have donated to pleted this project, Region 7 now has four ADA fish- these projects has been the funnest money I have ing piers. The others are located at Gartside Reser- ever spent”. Thank you, Ron. You will be missed.

- 90 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021

East Rosebud fishing pier. Photo by Mike Backes. Elk Island boat ramp. Photo by Jamie Hould. The 2020 season in Region 7 saw many Capital Improvements. A big Thank You goes out to the FWP At Intake FAS we installed a new arte- Design and Construction Division that put the proj- sian well to supply the campground and ser- ects together and the contractors that completed vice the Paddlefish Roe Donation program. the work! At Elk Island Fishing Access Site we were able to complete construction of a new concrete boat ramp that replaces an existing structure that was destroyed by the 2018 ice jams and flooding. At Fallon Bridge FAS we replaced the lower portion of the boat ramp which had deteriorated over many years in the elements of the Lower Yellowstone River. This project also included widening this portion of the ramp slightly to assist in the unloading/loading boats.

New well and pump house at Intake FAS. Photo by Jamie Hould.

Fallon Bridge boat ramp. Photo by Jamie Hould.

- 91 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 the Gerrard Rainbow Trout is their later age at mat- Hatcheries uration. At Murray Springs, the 3-year-old fish are Murray Springs Trout Hatchery approximately 37% mature, and at 4 years of age Jason Nachtmann, Hatchery Manager approximately 74% of the fish are mature. There- The Murray Springs Trout Hatchery main- fore, we maintain two additional age classes of fish tains the Gerrard Rainbow Trout broodstock. (5 and 6-year-old). In total, the seven age classes Well, what is a broodstock? A broodstock, or brood- of fish (future broodfish and broodfish) combine fish, is a group of sexually mature individuals ofa for a total weight of approximately 13,000 pounds. cultured species that is kept separate for breeding purposes. Upon maturity, broodfish are spawned Remember that broodfish must be kept separate from and their progeny (descendants) are characterized other fish populations at the hatchery. For recreational as future broodfish. Future broodfish are not sexu- fishing and educational purposes, we also raise and ally mature and are not considered to be broodfish annually distribute approximately 130,000 (15,000 until they reach maturity (capable of reproduction). pounds) Gerrard Rainbow Trout. These fish are considered production fish; they do not spawn at the hatchery, and only reside at the hatchery for 16 months or less.

To keep the broodstock separate from production fish, we utilize diverse husbandry practices and enlist the help of modern technology. The technology includes the use of visible implant elasto- mers (VIE) and wire tags. The VIE mark is implanted beneath transparent tissue (behind left eye) and remains externally visible. The wire tag is inserted into the abdominal area proximal to the pelvic fin.

The purpose of tagging and marking the fish is for the ability to visually differentiate amongst year classes of the Gerrard broodstock (different color for different age classes), and to differentiate the broodfish from production fish. The photo below shows a typi- VIE Marked Age 1+ Gerrard Broodfish. cal workstation for marking and tagging broodfish.

There are many important factors involved with properly maintaining and perpetuating a broodstock. One of those factors is the importance of maintaining genetic variation. Gener- ally, future broodstock should only be collected (as eggs) from broodfish when 90% of the broodfish (males and females) in a year class are mature.

Most captive trout broodstock hatcheries maintain five age-classes of fish. Fish that are ages +0, 1, and 2 years old would be considered future broodfish. Fish that are 3 and 4 years old are considered broodfish.

One of the unique characteristics of

- 92 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Washoe Park Trout Hatchery instinctually fears people, in a way so that they bare- Angela Smith, Hatchery Manager ly know you’re there, is always an exciting challenge!

The mission of the Washoe Park Trout Hatchery The hatchery staff stocked over 100 water bodies of (WPTH) is to maintain Montana’s Westslope Cutthroat various types including large and small lakes, alpine Trout conservation broodstock, known as the M012. lakes, urban fishing ponds and several streams for The hatchery maintains the health and genetic integ- restoration projects. Because the hatchery stocks so rity of the M012 broodstock and supplies eyed eggs many kinds of waterbodies, the staff must employ to three other hatcheries in the state. The progeny of multiple methods for getting fish to the water. Some the M012 are used for multiple management objec- of the methods include the use of large and small tives, including population management, urban fish- trucks, ATV’s, backpacks, game carts and horses. 2019 eries, native species restoration as well as research was a particularly big year for horse packing due to the and education. A second facet of the hatchery’s mis- amount of restoration projects and high-mountain- sion is to provide public outreach and education. This lakes this year. The hatchery staff spent a lot of time in mission is accomplished by various means includ- the backcountry and were involved with several con- ing the maintenance of an exceptional interpretive servation projects this year. Staff helped with egg col- center, classroom education, and hatchery tours. lection in the field, reared tens of thousands of eggs in the isolation building and assisted with stocking.

Our Hooked On Fishing program continued this year and we passed nearly 100 local 4th graders through the eight part course which includes ice fishing, fly tying, fish dissecting and more. We also gave scheduled tours to over 700 school children. Visitor numbers are estimated to be around 10,000 annually.

Rainy Lake fish plant.

Washoe Park exceeded all production and stocking goals for 2019 due to exceptional survival and growth this year. In 2019 hatchery staff stocked 265,012 Westslope Cutthroat Trout with a combined weight of 17,117 pounds. The hatchery produced 1.35 million eyed Westslope Cutthroat Trout eggs. Our staff is constantly looking for and implementing new methods for rearing trout in the hatchery setting. Isolation building. This is something that is especially difficult with a less- domesticated, native species such as the M012. The M012 still retains many of its wild traits and instincts, Anaconda had a record setting snowfall event in Feb- so extra care must be taken to reduce stress (usually ruary, receiving about 48 inches of snow in 48 hours. in the form of human interaction) and provide optimal Staff spent a huge amount of time and effort moving living conditions and nutrition. Caring for a species that snow around to keep the facility open and buildings

- 93 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 safe. Contractors were still finishing up the new isola- In July we did our high mountain lake plants, 19 lakes tion building at the time so extra efforts were made to were stocked with 78,965 Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. ensure facilities were accessible. Staff also completed These fish were stocked by helicopter. Other low eleva- substantial maintenance to the facility this year includ- tion lakes stocked by truck were: Hyalite reservoir, Dai- ing painting buildings and interior brickwork repairs. ley lake, Laurel pond, Sacajawea pond, Englejard, Soda Butte creek, Lake Elmo, Ross reservoir, Trout lake, Axo- Construction of the isolation facility for incubating lotl lake, Mcvey creek. Three lakes were stocked with wild Westslope Cutthroat eggs and rearing of fry for 4-wheelers: South Picket Pin, Blue lake and Corner conservation and restoration projects began in lake. Upper Peterson lake was stocked using a water November of 2017 and was completed in March of 2019. Staff finished installing tanks, incubators and plumbing just in time for the first batch of wild cutthroat trout eggs from Yellowstone National Park in May. 35,000 fry were successfully reared in the building over the summer and stocked into multiple lakes and streams to help meet conservation objectives.

Yellowstone River Trout Hatchery Josh Culver, Fish Culture Specialist

2019 was another productive and eventful year here at Yellowstone River Trout Hatch- ery. The Yellowstone cutthroat brood began spawning in late January. The spawning season went very smoothly this year. We had 10 separate egg takes for the year and we finished on March 25th. The YCT brood- Loading the helicopter for the high mountain lake plants. stock produced over 374,000 green eggs resulting in an average eye-up of over 81%. In early May grayling were spawned at Green Hollow #2. A successful spawn of 205 females produced a cooler with an oxygen bubbler setup and a pack-frame. total of 264,880 eggs. All eggs were incubated at the hatchery before being transferred to the biologist for In October we took 21,000 Arctic Gray- dispersal into remote site incubators in SW Montana. ling into Ice Lake and Goose Lake in Yellow- stone National Park to help boost populations. We also did our annual grayling spawn at Axolotl Lake in mid-May. We had good success with 399,312 eggs col- The Livingston school system requested fish again this lected from 151 females. The Axolotl eggs were incu- year for their farm to school aquaponics program, we sup- bated here at the hatchery before being transferred to plied them with 40 fish. Fish waste makes good fertilizer the biologist. Most of these will be used for remote and was beneficial to their already successful program. site incubators. About 3,000 will be held over winter and raised to about 6” and stocked out in the spring. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yel- lowstone recently completed their new fish aquar- In June plans were made to return to Pebble ium/ otter habitat building and asked us for some Creek inside Yellowstone National Park to col- fish, we had some available and gave them 51 Yellow- lect more cutthroat trout but due to weather and stone cutthroat that were between 4.5 and 8 inches irregular flows no fish were collected this year. and 10 Arctic Grayling that were about 8 inches.

- 94 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Fort Peck Fish Hatchery Dakota for a grand total of 646,752 eggs at the Fort Ryan Lott, Fish Culture Specialist Peck Hatchery. We ended up stocking 535,431 fingerlings (4”-5”) into Fort Peck Reservoir. Due to the spill- The Fort Peck Multi-Species Fish Hatchery (FPFH) was way releasing water we opted not to stock the spill- built by the Army Corp of Engineers, and is operated way area and instead stocked salmon at Rock Creek, by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The hatchery Fort Peck Marina, Duck Creek and the Pines. The 2019 went into production in January 2006. Encompassing Chinook spawn resulted in a better return of adult nearly 100 acres of land, the hatchery is comprised salmon unlike 2018. We spawned 100 female salm- of a 35,000 sq. ft. rearing/office building, 40 Wall- on which gave us 431,272 eggs at the hatchery. The eye/Northern Pike rearing ponds totaling 45 surface number of fertilized eggs collected from Fort Peck this acres, and eight 80ft raceways. The primary function past fall gave us enough eggs that we didn’t have to of the FPFH is to provide fish for sport fishing and request additional eggs from North and South Dakota. recreational opportunities to anglers in Northeastern The eggs all hatched off right around Christmas and Montana. Species raised at the FPFH include: Walleye, will be closely monitored through the winter months Northern Pike, Chinook Salmon and Rainbow Trout. to ensure they will be ready to be stocked back into Fort Peck Reservoir by the first part of June 2020.

The last couple of years winter wouldn’t end which resulted in late starts for our annual Walleye egg take. Luckily, 2019 didn’t follow that same trend. Hatchery and Reservoir crews were able to get out and get the first traps in the water by April 10th and we held our first spawn shortly after that on April 13th. Our last spawn was on April 26th and in that two-week time period we were pretty much spawning every day to try and reach our egg take goal of 40-50 million eggs. We ended up collecting approximately 68 million Walleye eggs that we split between Fort Peck and Miles City fish hatcheries. We stocked roughly 7 million Walleye fry (3-5 days old) into our hatchery ponds and still stocked over 9 million fry

George Geraets with a Fort Peck Reservoir Sauger.

The 2018/2019 spawning/stocking season started off with our annual Chinook Salm- on spawn and wrapped up with our Walleye spawn/stocking in mid-July. Here is a brief overview of our efforts throughout the season.

The 2018 Chinook Salmon spawning season was a tough one here at Fort Peck. We only spawned 28 females which gave us only 110,979 eggs from Fort Peck. Luckily North and South Dako- ta had a surplus of eggs that really helped us out. We ended up receiving 387,188 eggs from North Dakota and 148,585 eggs from South FWP fisheries biologist, Heath Headley and students from Opiem.

- 95 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 into Fort Peck Reservoir. Fort Peck Hatchery ended Sekokini Springs Experimental Hatchery up stocking approximately 1.5 million Walleye finger- Scott Reylea, Hatchery Manager lings (1”-2”) in various locations on Fort Peck -Reser voir. We also stocked 248,620 Walleye fingerlings in Sekokini Springs Hatchery raises Westslope Cutthroat various ponds and reservoirs in FWP’s regions 4, 5 & 6. Trout (WCT) for planting in high mountain lakes in the South Fork Flathead Basin and Glacier National Park. Fort Peck Hatchery also raises and stocks two differ- The sources for these fish are genetically pure, dis- ent strains of Rainbow Trout for FWP’s Region 6. One ease-free populations from within the same drainage of the strains we raise is the Arlee x Erwin strain that as the lakes. Great care is taken to ensure that there is comes from Ennis National Fish Hatchery. These fish no hatchery selection on the population genetic struc- are raised until they are catchable size (7”-9”) and ture. The wild trout are spawned only once, and the fry stocked in urban and kid’s ponds throughout Region 6. are stocked as soon as possible. However, studies have We stocked a total of 13,788 catchable trout in Region shown that hatchery reared salmon and steelhead in 6. The other strain of trout we raise is the Arlee Rain- the Pacific Northwest have poorer reproductive suc- bow Trout strain that comes from Jocko River Trout cess when compared to wild fish from the same popu- Hatchery. These trout are raised to fingerling size (2”- lations. Our concern is that there may be some latent 4”) and stocked by vehicle or helicopter throughout dysfunction in the fry stocked from our hatchery even Region 6. We stocked 30 different ponds by helicop- with our naturalized rearing practices. One potential ter for 11 hours of flight time. A total of 75,843 finger- mechanism for this dysfunction is termed epigenetics. lings were stocked in Region 6 by truck or helicopter. Through epigenetics, effects from the parental environment are passed on to the offspring through DNA If you would like to keep track of FPFH and other FWP methylation, which regulates gene expression. These hatcheries stocking numbers and locations, you can go gene expression patterns, whether inherited from to FWP’s website http://fwp.mt.gov and click on the the parents or developed during early rearing in the FishMT tab then the fish stocking icon and that will give hatchery, may reduce the fry’s fitness in the wild. To you access to the 6-year stocking plan for future plants. address this concern, we partnered with research- There is also information on past stocking records. ers from George Mason University (GMU) and the University of Montana (UM) to study these potential Our visitor center is open 7:00 am to 4:00 pm effects. Gene expression patterns of wild-reared fry Monday thru Friday, and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Sat- from wild parents in the Danaher River will be com- urday, Sunday and Holidays. Tours are given by pared to those from hatchery-reared fry from captive appointment only, by calling (406) 526-3689 parents. These captive parents were collected from with usually one to two days advance notice. the Danaher River as juveniles and raised to maturity at Sekokini Springs Hatchery. To test for transgen- erational effects, we will include wild-reared fry from the Necklace Lakes. This chain of lakes was stocked from 2011-2014 with hatchery-reared fry from captive parents collected as juveniles from the same location in the Danaher River as the current source stock.

We first needed to find out if sampling methods could be altering gene expression in any way. We took a broad approach and decided to test for differences in gene expres- WCT fry. sions between two common types of fisheries sampling methods: electro-fishing and dip-netting. Using- sur plus WCT fry from the previous year’s spawn, we set Ryan Lott, Bill Viste and students from Opiem. up an experiment to evaluate the differenced in gene

- 96 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Finally, if differences in gene expressions do exist between the hatchery fry and the wild fry, we want to know if those differences persist from generation to generation. So, this past summer, we collected tissue samples from wild fry from the Necklace Chain of Lakes in the Swan Mountain Range. The parents and grandparents were spawned from our Danaher River source- stock and planted from 2011-2014. Locating and collecting the fry was difficult in these mountain lakes, but we still managed to get enough samples after three days of effort. The samples were taken back to GMU for analysis, and we anticipate having results this winter.

Danaher River. expression in the blood, muscle, gill, and liver tissues from a group of WCT fry sampled by electrofishing and compare those data to a group sampled by dip- netting. The WCT fry in the e-fishing group were sampled five at a time in a large 100-gallon tank with running water. We used a standard Smith-Root backpack electrofishing unit set at 150 volts. Electricity was held for three seconds in the tank until each fish was temporarily stunned. The fish were then netted from the large tank and held in holding buckets until sampled. We then collected blood, muscle, gill and liver samples from each fish. The fish in the dip-netting group were sampled in the same way, just without the electricity. High Mountain Lake. They were netted from the 100-gallon tank and held As we wait for the results from the next two phas- in holding buckets temporarily before collecting the es, we hope to find no significant difference in gene same tissue samples. In a third group, we repeated expression. We take pride in minimizing our human the electrofishing process, but kept the fish in the fingerprint on these fish, and despite Montana being holding buckets an extra five minutes before sam- highly regarded for its wild trout streams, hatcheries pling. The idea behind the delayed group is to simu- will always play a vital role in conserving our native late sampling in the field. Results from this work will species, particularly those of special concern, like be used to guide our sampling efforts going forward. WCT. Finding no difference in gene expression would Next, we wanted to explore the possibility that some be added reassurance that our program is not harm- environmental conditions associated with our hatching the future of these fish at the genetic level. On ery spawning and rearing practices could be causing the other hand, if we do find significant differences in epigenetic changes in our fish. So, last summer, using gene expression associated with our hatchery prac- the same sampling procedures as before, we collected tices, it will prompt us to explore further options to blood, muscle and gill samples from a group wild fry minimize our effects. After all, raceways are not rivers. from the Danaher River; the ancestors of which have always been wild. We then collected the same set of tissue samples from a group of hatchery-reared fry Jocko River Trout Hatchery from captive Danaher River parents that were collected Stephanie Espinoza, Fish Culture Specialist for spawning purposes two years prior. Since the sampling methods have been vetted by the first study, any The Jocko River Trout Hatchery located in Arlee, MT differences in methylation patterns between the two sits near its namesake, the Jocko River. The water used groups can be attributed to the hatchery environment. to run the facility is not taken from the river but from - 97 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 lished a broodstock of Arlee Rainbows in Utah.

The Arlee Rainbow is an amazing and unique strain of rainbow created and cultivated to be a voracious feeder and therefore grows very quickly. Because they are hungry all the time, they are also a quite catchable fish species. They are also quite good looking. These non-native Arlee’s are a very important and integral part of FWP’s fisheries management. Arlee Rain- bows are heavily stocked in the bodies of water that receive high angling pressure and are easily accessible for anglers, i.e. Harpers lake by Seely MT or Beaver- tail Pond by Missoula MT. Our rainbows are also used to stock urban/kids fishing ponds to provide kids and families easy access to fishing opportunities, places like Frenchtown Pond, or the community ponds in Lib- by, Troy, Kalispell and Noxon to name a few. We also stock places where fishing opportunities wouldn’t exist without our help, think of reservoirs like Lake Como. Overall, this hatchery alone plants 48 lakes/ponds/

Hatchery Managers, Jeff Lammerding and Mark Kornick spawning. an underground spring about 300 yards above the hatchery. This hatchery is unique and lucky in that it receives all the water needed for fish production from this spring and the water is delivered to the hatchery by gravity fed pipes. It comes in clean and cold, no need to add oxygen, remove nitrogen or sediment, or use pumps or generators of any kind to move the water around. It’s an ideal spot to raise Arlee Rainbow Trout. An excited youngster feeding fish.

There are a few types of hatcheries out there, production, brood, conservation and combinations there- reservoirs managed by FWP here in the Northwestern of. Every hatchery is unique. Our hatchery is both part of the state. Besides meeting our main objectives a brood and a production facility. Which means we to supplement sports fishing and provide easy and not only raise hundreds of thousands of fish to size accessible fishing for the state we also hope our efforts to stock in Montana waters but we also manage the deflect some fishing pressure off native fisheries. genetics of the Arlee Rainbow broodstock and spawn the adults to produce 5.5 million eggs annually each Most of 2019 was productive and wonderful for us, fall for the state. We ship most of these eggs to the except for one large incident. In September our area other state hatcheries within the hatchery bureau was hit by some big lightning storms. During one of and some to private hatcheries. We have in the past these storms lighting hit a very tall ponderosa pine that shipped eggs to other states and even helped estab- was in very close proximity to our brood raceways. After

- 98 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 running through the tree, the lighting made its path of bow Trout (RBT) to 45 remote ranch ponds, Blue- least resistance through our three and four-year-old water SFH staff delivered 478,874 4inch RBT to 14 females living in our below ground brood raceways. We reservoirs of which Clark Canyon and Georgetown experienced heavy mortality. Out of our 380 four-year- received the most, and finally 114,142 8inch RBT old females we lost a total of 120, when you account were delivered to 21 reservoirs across Montana. for each female producing 8,000 eggs that’s almost a A lot has changed, staff wise, at Bluewater SFH in the million eggs lost. The impact was felt through all the last year-Dave Hergenrider the area fish tech, who hatcheries that rely on our eggs for their production shared an office at the hatchery, retired, Dave Robert- needs. They had to find other sources for their eggs son took a promotion to Big Springs State Fish Hatch- or reduce their egg numbers. We also lost 150 of our ery, and Bob Braund retired, that left Dave Ellis who three-year-old brood but we were able to mitigate those is enjoying his 25th year at Bluewater SFH. In Febru- losses fairly well. Despite this tragedy and losses in fish ary Bluewater Springs SFH hired Cody James from and eggs we were able to fulfill most of our production Salt Lake City, UT. Cody is energetic, knowledgeable, needs and it and enjoys the solitude that is abundant at Bluewa- was a good ter SFH. In April, Matt Wipf was promoted to hatch- lesson for all ery manager at Bluewater SFH from Giant Springs SFH. hatcheries The Bluewater SFH staff have worked hard this year in figuring both with fish and our backs. The hatchery added the out second- new super catchable fish program to Bluewater SFH ary sources stocked ponds. The Super catchable RBT will average for eggs 15inches in length and be stocked at 5% the average in a pinch. stocking rate for such ponds as Wildbill, Greenough, 2019 was Laurel, and Lake Elmo to name a few. Also, the hatch- also full of ery staff have knocked a few projects off the project educational list. Bluewater Spring SFH has possibly the hardest tours, visitors and community outreach. We had many school groups come for tours in Cody James working with eggs. the spring and during our busy spawn season. We really enjoy showing people around and explaining all the cool things we do here, but what people love best of all is feeding our fish. We are open for visitors every day of the year, so stop on by and throw some feed to our beautiful rainbows Cleaning the aeration towers. in our display raceway or maybe catch us while we are stocking your favorite fishing pond. Happy fishing! water in the state measuring a total water hardness of 1403ppm the next highest hardness, hatchery wise, is Bluewater Springs State Fish Hatchery Giant Springs SFH at 310ppm. The water is also, very Matt Wipf, Hatchery Manager turbid in the form of sand and silt which when coupled with some super hard water creates rock. Hatchery During the 2019 stocking season Bluewater Springs staff broke free hundreds of pounds of rock in our aera- State Fish Hatchery (SFH) staff delivered 656,717 tion towers, off of intake screens, and gates and valves Rainbow Trout (RBT) to a myriad of lakes, ponds, that have not been used for a long time. Bluewater is and reservoirs across Montana. Miles City SFH deliv- also the home of a third water source for the hatch- ered by Helicopter 63,700 2inch Bluewater SFH Rain- ery, which is very new to us, and is in the final stages

- 99 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 of plumbing for hatchery use. The well is under great Willow Creek Reservoir was drained this year result- pressure and would be a great source of hydro-electric ing in a near, if not complete, population loss in the power if it were not for the persistence of rocks coming reservoir. Giant springs SFH in conjunction with through the pipe that is drilled 740 feet down. Finally, Big Springs Fish Hatchery in Lewistown, MT and the hatchery has been awarded a $4,000 grant for a Blue Water Fish Hatchery in Bridger, MT have been summer intern and we are looking forward to provid- repopulating the reservoir. Giant Springs SFH sup- ing an intern-opportunity to the lucky participant. Look plied 22,000 Arlee strain Rainbow Trout with cod- for us this summer as we come to a lake near you. ed wire tags and 18,800 Eagle Lake strain Rainbow Trout with Adipose clips and Tetracycline marks. Giant Springs Fish Hatchery Jerick Graves, Fish Culture Specialist With funding and cooperation from the Missouri-Mad- ison River Fund Board, NorthWestern Ener- Giant Springs State Fish gy, Giant Springs State Park, and Region 4 Hatchery (SFH) began 2020 Fishing Access Sites we were able to make in the middle of the pump several improvements for the public at replacement project started Giant Springs SFH in 2019 and 2020. A new in 2019. The pump upgrades display case was added to the visitor center will allow for increased accu- to display historical hatchery equipment, racy for water flows which will early FWP fishing regulations, and mounts decrease pumping costs. New of potential hatchery predators. Two equipment for monitoring of benches and a garbage bin were construct- flows in the hatchery building ed by hatchery staff and anchored near as well as in the exterior race- the show pond along with new signs which ways has been added, as well show the fish species as a sensor on the river side in the show pond as of the facility that will alert well as highlighting hatchery staff of high flows in some of the daily tasks the Missouri River. With these hatchery staff can be changes the hatchery will be seen performing in more efficient and effective at the raceways. Funds Ashley Hammans spawning were also used to add producing a better-quality fish. rainbows at Jocko River. Delays in the project resulted gravel to the driveway in a lower production year and, behind the raceways unfortunately, did not allow us to raise Brook Trout to at Giant Springs SFH, be stocked in 2020. However, the crew at Giant Springs a path is commonly SFH traveled over 15,000 miles of Montana’s roads to used by anglers and stock over 501,000 Rainbow Trout (Arlee, Erwin x Arlee, families walking along Eagle Lake, and Gerrard) totaling nearly 60,000 pounds. the Missouri River. While we still won’t be raising Brook Trout in the year to come, Giant Springs SFH received Kokanee Salmon In a normal year Giant eggs, which the hatchery hasn’t raised since 1991. Springs SFH gives tours Ryan Derr spawning Yellowstone Cut- to nearly 5000 stu- Reduced production allowed us time for mainte- throat Trout at the Big Timber hatchery. dents and public. With nance and improvements to the grounds and facili- the challenges of Cov- ties as well as assist with work at other facilities. id-19 we haven’t been able to offer any tours but have Ryan Derr and Ashley Hammans traveled to the Yel- maintained a visitor center and show pond for public lowstone River Trout Hatchery to assist with spawn- to enjoy. Hopefully, the next year will bring some nor- ing Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Ashley and Jerick malcy back to Giant Springs SFH. Full production at the Graves assisted the Region 4 fisheries crew with facility is expected in 2021, and we are looking forward sampling on the Belt Creek and the Smith River. to resuming hatchery tours and stocking full numbers in lakes and reservoirs for anglers in the year to come.

- 100 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 In 2019, the staff at our facility branched into Yel- The Giant Springs SFH staff wishes you a happy fishing low Perch production, a species new to us. Follow- season. ing our penchant for unfamiliar fish culture, we started to collect a brood stock of Bluegill. This came Miles City State Fish Hatchery about as an effort to provide other regions in Mon- John Kuntz, Fish Culture tana a reliable source of the plucky panfish. Specialist As of winter 2020, 52,000 Bluegill fry Our winter proceeded have been planted into eight of Mon- as usual, with mainte- tana’s ponds. We were also able to plant nance of nets, pumps and three ponds with just over of 10,000 miscellaneous plumb- Channel Catfish fry. Not too shabby. ing projects keeping us busy through the colder Once the production season had drawn to months. We had to drain a close, we switched gears and closed out and dry our lower supply a second pilot study concerning Pallid Stur- reservoir to freeze the geon and fin curl. We have suspicions that soil and fix a large depres- our water chemistry may lead to fin curl sion in the middle of the in young Pallid Stur- pond that prevented it geon raised at our facil- from draining completely. ity. We have not been In late March, a local con- able to produce fin curl struction company was through the manipula- able to enter the pond tion of different param- and level the bottom. Seining bass fry 2020. eters, and thus, are still We moved forward, unaware of what may receiving Rainbow Trout be the underlying issue. from Bluewater Hatchery and set to work plant- Fish culture aside, we ing 57 prairie ponds with 61,100 fish by heli- managed to complete a copter and truck. As our trout plants drew to a few large grounds main- close, we began to receive our yearly share of tenance tasks during the Walleye eggs from the spawn efforts at Ft. Peck summer of 2020. With Reservoir. Egg quality this year was better than in the help of our three years past. We decided to try something differ- seasonal workers and Perch skanes 2019. ent this year by incubating the youngest third of one intern, we managed our eggs on chilled water, slowing their growth to shovel six dump truck rate. Our goal was to extend their hatch date late loads of silt out of the bottom of one our plastic lined ponds. into spring, giving the rearing ponds time to develop a strong prey base of zooplankton for the impend- A crew of concrete specialists resealed our aging race- ing Walleye fry. Our efforts led us to release 14.86 ways. We continue to be plagued with cracks and breaks million Walleye into Montana water this summer. to our infrastructure and water lines as things settle, and our crew patched and fixed every new problem as they We also released roughly 3,000 catchable Tiger Muskie arose. One large problem came in the form of a buried into seven ponds that we overwintered from the year 16-inch water line breaking in one of the dyke roads. before. Now we move into the winter months aiming to reel We managed to exceed last year’s Largemouth Bass num- in the chaos by fixing, maintaining and cleaning the bers, likely due to a decrease in predation of our brood hatchery grounds and equipment. stocks. By the end of August, we had successfully planted roughly 180,000 Largemouth Bass fry into 41 ponds. Noteworthy staff news: Tori Swope has joined the Miles City Fish Hatchery staff as a Fish Culturist.

- 101 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Flathead Lake Salmon Hatchery TC: Well my degree is in Con- Mark Kornick, Hatchery Manager servation Law Enforcement from Unity College in Maine. Flathead Lake Salmon Hatch- I have also attended a Parks ery (FLSH) consists of two Law Enforcement academy. sites. One is the original I came to Montana with my hatchery built in 1912 in twin sister following college Somers, MT and the second, and realized I may not be built in 2010 near Bigfork, a good fit for law enforce- MT is referred to as the Rose ment, as it is a bit intimi- Fixing Lower Reservoir 2020. Creek Hatchery. The two per- dating to, you know, inter- manent staff are responsible view bad guys. I was a good for all the kokanee eggs and ultimately, kokanee fin- fit for Montana though and my sister and I stayed. gerlings stocked annually into waterbodies in Regions 1-5. The number of kokanee stocked varies a little but MK: I definitely know that law enforcement was not hovers around 1.7 million into 27 lakes. Some local Arc- for me either for the same reason, and I know that I tic Grayling spawning, hatching and stocking of fry is really had no idea that I would end up in the hatch- also done by staff that approaches 100,000 fish annu- ery business as a twenty-something, but it has been ally into 3 lakes. Eastern Brook Trout that numbered a fun journey for me over the last couple decades. I at 28,000 were stocked into 10 lakes. Shoehorned in actually figured on a career in wildlife even though there are Westslope Cutthroat Trout (110,000) raised fish were way more interesting to me as a kid, as were and distributed by helicopter and truck. Ashley Lake rocks, meteorology, sports. My first job in college rainbow/cuttroat hybrids are spawned and stocked happened to be as a wildlife technician, and there- back into Ashley Lake yearly (30,000) in coordina- fore ignorantly assumed that the wildlife direction tion with a small private lakeside hatchery. Flathead was in the stars Somewhat serendipitously though, I lake Salmon Hatchery is funded by the fishing public. was asked to fill in at Giant Springs Hatchery in Great Falls in the Spring of 1991, and four hatcheries and Fish hatchery people are referred to as fish cultur- three states later, landed in Somers raising kokanee! ists. Fish culture training, as with many jobs, is part classroom (a BS in Biology is common) and part TC: Yeah, I ended up coming to the (Flathead) val- on-the-job-training. Fish culturists quickly discover ley in my twenties working for a concessionaire in that feeding fish and otherwise caring for fish is just Glacier Park and odd-jobbing around until meet- one of many aspects necessary in the aquaculture ing a certain hatchery manager in need of tempo- field. Most fish culturists end up with some excel- rary help. That was about ten years ago and after lent opportunities to hone their skills in auto main- working on and off again in hatcheries and restau- tenance, 12 and 120 volt wiring, carpentry, weld- rants since, I landed this job permanently in 2016! ing, heavy machinery operation, bookkeeping, public speaking, engineering, purchasing and so on. MK: Trish, what are your favorite things about FWP fish culturists (Fish Hatchery Managers are the job? I myself love the fact that there is a also fish culturists) come in many shapes and siz- lot of tinkering to be done in the name es, backgrounds, experience and education. Tri- of improving how we do our jobs. cia Cycz (TC), a fish culturist who works at- Flat head Lake Salmon Hatchery, sat down for an TC: Yup, I can always tell when you are on a tear build- interview with hatchery manager Mark Kornick (MK). ing some contraption by the blood trails you leave behind. For me, it’s the way our job changes season- MK: Hey Tricia, thanks for agreeing to this inter- ally: spawning in spring and fall, driving to lakes stock- view today by your co-worker/supervisor. Not ing, helicopters, plowing snow, mowing lawns, and I awkward at all! I got a Biology BS in Fish and Wild- love talking to fishermen when I’m out stocking. Oh life Management at Montana State University, also getting to go to other hatcheries; and even our Bozeman. What is your educational background? annual meetings!

- 102 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 MK: You are a rather social person. I like to pre- bows 13 inches and bigger, along with 36,651 Brown tend I don’t like to talk, but it is fun to spread good Trout. We assisted the Flathead Lake Salmon Hatchery cheer and show off our truckload of future lunkers! in stocking 105,336 Kokanee Salmon into Deadman’s Reservoir, and the hatchery raised and transferred TC: Oh yeah, I just wish more sportsmen and women 110,945 Chinook Salmon to the Fort Peck Hatchery. knew how much Fish, Wildlife & Parks people care These fish were transferred because our previous about their jobs, and all we do, and that we are all in plants haven’t been showing up according to anglers the business of opportunity. Even the hunting and fish- or returning to spawn, and we know this because the ing rules are about allowing maximum opportunity. chinook from our hatchery have had their adipose removed. One reason may be that they are imprint- MK: You are definitely a great ambassador of positiv- ing to the water supply at our hatchery, so transferring ity. Regulations are hard to put in a positive light, but them to Fort Peck Hatchery may allow them to imprint I think there is movement toward simplifying (regula- to that water source and hopefully start showing up in tions). That will hopefully help. Thanks for this abso- catches or during the spawning season. These fish had lutely contrived conversation, Tricia! their adipose fin clipped, so if you happen to catch a chinook on Fort Peck without an adipose fin, contact Heath Headley at 406-526-3471 and let him know you caught one! A question we will get from visitors is how do we know how many eggs we receive. It all starts when we receive our eggs in boxes from different brood stock hatcheries such as Jocko River State Fish Hatchery, Ennis National Fish Hatchery, wild spawned chinook from Fort Peck, or Rainbow Trout that we spawn on Holter lake. These eggs are shipped with ice Tricia Cycz with a Kokanee Salmon from Lake Mary Ronan. to help keep them cool and keep Big Springs Trout Hatchery them hydrated enough to trans- fer oxygen. We will then check Sam Stafslien, Fish Culture Specialist Egg jar. the temperature of the eggs to Big Springs Trout Hatchery had another low fish num- see how much tempering (warm- ber year, but starting in 2020, we will be back to full ing of the eggs) we will have to do to get them to our production! Big Springs had a successful year raising 57-degree water. Typically, this process will take over fish from eggs all the way up to 15 inches. The hatch- an hour or more so that the eggs don’t undergo too ery again raised around 50% of its 7 inch and larger much of a change in temperature too quickly. Once fish compared to other years due to budget cut backs, they are at the correct temperature, we will treat them but stayed busy throughout the year stocking fish and with iodine to kill any bacteria that could be on the keeping up on maintenance. Big Springs Trout Hatch- eggs that could get our fish at the hatchery sick. We ery raised five different strains of rainbow trout such will count out 1,000 eggs with a special paddle that as Arlee, Arlee-Erwin, Eagle Lake, Gerrard, and the holds 100 at a time then weigh them. Next we will McConaughy strain. We also raised Brown Trout, Chi- weigh out a full quart of eggs to know the total weight nook Salmon, and helped stock out Kokanee Salmon of the eggs once they are spread out into their jars. By as well. We stocked a total of 919,992 fish into seven doing this we have a very close estimate of the eggs urban ponds and 48 reservoirs and ponds throughout that we received. Over the years, samples have been the state which totaled 78,838 pounds. taken so that we know roughly how many fish will survive at their different sizes. Survival of these fish are The hatchery stocked 629,923 rainbows from 2-7 inch- typically over 85-90% in the hatchery, compared to the es, 141,222 rainbows from 7-12 inches, 2,508 rain- 20% or less that can occur in the wild. - 103 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 take over the local management of existing inspection Aquatic Invasive Species stations as follows: 2019 - 2020 AIS Update • McCone Conservation District took over Liz Lodman, AIS Education & Outreach Coordinator operation of the Nashua station.

Montana’s AIS program saw many changes in 2019 • Garfield Conservation District took over man- and challenges in 2020 due to a dramatic increase in agement of the Wibaux station and extended boat traffic and COVID-19 concerns. We continue to the Flowing Wells station to 7-days a week. make steady improvements to the program. • Powder River Conservation District established The Montana Legislature pass several laws affecting a new station at Broadus. the AIS program including: • Bighorn Conservation District established a • Establish a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass (AISPP) new station near St. Xavier. that requires non-residents launching boats in Montana to purchase the Vessel AISPP ($30 Changes were made at the following stations: for motorized and $10 for non-motorized watercraft). (HB411) • In 2019 the Thompson Falls station moved to Plains to allow the Confederated Salish & Koo- • Require watercraft with ballast tanks or blad- tenai Tribes to take over operation and elimi- ders to be decontaminated if crossing into the nated the station at Elmo. The station moved Columbia River Basin or entering the state. back to Thompson Falls in 2020. (HB608) • The Dena Mora station moved to St. Regis. • Change the Angler AIS Prevention Pass fee for non-resident anglers, decreased from $15 to • A new decontamination station was estab- $7.50. Non-resident youth 15 years of age and lished at Willow Creek on Tiber reservoir. younger are no longer charged the Angler AISPP. (HB411) • The FWP Kalispell regional office offered inspections 7-days a week providing an • Establish AIS funding sources through Vessel alternative to the Jesco station operating on AIS Prevention Pass, bed tax, general fund weekends. and hydroelectric fees. This funding will support AIS program operations and initiatives • The Anaconda station moved 1-mile east due over the next two years. to season-long highway construction.

• A joint resolution requesting additional federal Watercraft inspections were also conducted by these support for state AIS efforts. partners: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (2019), Blackfeet Nation, Glacier National Park, Mis- Watercraft Inspection Stations soula County Weed District and Whitefish Lake Insti- tute. Watercraft inspectors prevent the movement of AIS by looking for mud, plants, and invasive animals attached Watercraft inspection staff saw 113,168 boaters in 2019 to boats, trailers, and gear; and by removing standing and intercepted 16 boats with invasive mussels entering water from bilges and live wells. the state. In 2020 inspectors saw more than 173,000 boaters and intercepted 35 mussel boats entering the state. Watercraft inspectors use a data app to collect boat inspection information that is shared on the new AIS Most mussel infested watercraft are motorized boats Dashboard. Information is uploaded once a week. FWP and pontoons. However, inspectors found mussels on created additional partnerships with local conserva- a kayak, personal watercraft, and a sail boat in 2020. tion districts to open new inspections stations or - 104 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 Early Detection & Monitoring 2019 - 2020 accomplishments:

FWP monitors for all aquatic invasive species, includ- • Partnership with DNRC and the Invasive Spe ing zebra/quagga mussels, Asian clams, New Zealand cies Action Network to provide in-per mudsnails, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, curly- son AIS workshops in 2019 for natural leaf pondweed, and other species not known to occur resource professionals in Kalispell, Butte and in Montana. Billings. An online training was held in 2020.

• Collaborate with Big Sky Watershed Corps members to provide AIS information in their areas.

• Partnership with Lewis & Clark Conservation District and Montana Learning Center to train teachers on AIS curriculum developed by the Flathead Lake Biological Station and Watershed Education Network.

• FWP held an AIS Summit in December 2019. Partners from around the state discussed AIS program progress and identi- Monitoring crews have surveyed fied gaps and needs to 200 different waterbodies and address during the 2020 season. found new locations of Faucet Snails, New Zealand Mudsnails FWP held a virtual AIS Summit in and Curlyleaf Pond weed. In November 2020 to share accomplish- 2019 Asian Clams were discov- ments and challenges from the sea- ered in Lake Elmo in Billings. A son. The AIS prevention and moni- plan is underway to remove this toring programs were able to adapt isolated population. In 2020 to COVID-19 restrictions so staff the aquatic plant Spiny Water- could safely accomplish their work. nymph was discovered in ponds near Frenchtown. To learn more about the AIS program go to: www.CleanDrainDryMT.com. Over the past two years more than 4,900 mussel veliger samples were collected from across the state and analyzed by the FWP AIS lab. In addition, FWP used multiple methods to search for invasive mussel adults and larvae on Tiber and Canyon Ferry reservoirs. No invasive mussels were detected in 2019 or 2020.

AIS Outreach

FWP continued to expand AIS education and outreach to better inform boaters, anglers, and out-of-state visitors about Montana’s AIS laws and how to prevent transporting AIS.

- 105 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021

MONTANA LENGTH GIRTH BAIT FISH WEIGHT SITE ANGLER DATE NATIVE (inches) (inches) TACKLE Arctic Grayling . 20 3.63 lbs. 11.7 Washtub Lake Glenn Owens Wet Fly 6/28/03 Craig D. Bigmouth Buffalo 40.7 57.75 lbs. 32.5 Nelson Reservoir Bow & Arrow 6/4/94 . Grassel Black Bullhead 14.37 2.60 lbs. 11.5 Smiley Slough Birrell White Bait 6/20/09 Tongue River Black Crappie 16.7 3.13 lbs. Al Elser 1973 Reservoir Peterson's Stock Bluegill 11 2.64 lbs. 17 Brent Fladmo Worm 6/3/83 Dam Blue Sucker . 34.5625 13.29 lbs. 18.1875 Marias River Jason Karls Worm 4/19/19 Lower Two Medicine Brook Trout 9.06 lbs. John R. Cook 1940 Lake E.H. "Peck" Brown Trout 29 lbs. Wade Lake 1966 Bacon Bull Trout 37 25.63 lbs. 25 James Hyer Trolling Line 1916 (Dolly Varden) . Missouri River Jeff Eugene Burbot 39 17.08 lbs. 16.25 Minnow 4/18/89 . Wolf Point Iwen Beetle Spin Channel Catfish 38.25 35.18 lbs. 27 Colstrip Surge Pond John D. Smith 7/7/19 . w/ Mr. Twister Fort Peck Reservoir Squid & Chinook Salmon 38.125 32.05 lbs. 26.50 Greg Haug 8/16/20 Face of Dam Flasher Cisco 18.2 2.08 lbs. Missouri River Troy Holstein Jig & Minnow 6/2/14

Creek Chub . 11.0 0.52 Ibs. Harbaugh Bass Pond William Bibeau Worm 5/12/13 Fort Peck Reservoir Coho Salmon 25.5 4.88 lbs. Irven F. Stohl Daredevil 5/29/73 Face of Dam Common Carp 38 40.2 lbs. 30.5 Nelson Reservoir Jared S. Albus Bow & Arrow 5/24/98

Cutthroat Trout . 16 lbs. Red Eagle Lake Wm. D. Sands 1955 Emerald Shiner 3.43 0.01 lbs. Park Grove Bridge Ike Braaten Rapala 6/9/06 Douglas Flathead Chub 11.2 0.59 lbs. Thornton Pond Worm 4/29/01 . Jordan Fort Peck – Ghost Freshwater Drum 29.5 21.59 lbs. 26.5 Matt Washut Smelt 5/3/03 . Coulee Golden Trout 23.5 5.43 lbs. 13 Cave Lake Mike Malixi Lure 7/16/00 Jig/Power Goldeye 3.18 lbs. Nelson Reservoir Don Nevrivy 7/4/00 . Crawler Bette Green Sunfish 9.0 0.84 lbs. 9.87 Hickson’s Pond Worm 5/25/09 Schmieding Kokanee Salmon 26. 8 7.85 lbs. Hauser Lake John Bomar Jig 9/23/03

Lake Chub . 5.9 0.075 Ibs. 3.4 Corner Lake James Cashell Artificial Fly 7/23/17 Lake Trout 42.5 42.69 lbs. 31.5 Flathead Lake Ruth Barber Flatfish 6/23/04 Swan Lake Whitefish 27 10.46 lbs. Flathead Lake Jig 8/26/06 McDonald V Noxon Rapids Rubber Tube Largemouth Bass 22.5 8.80 lbs. Darin Williams 5/2/09 Reservoir Bait Largescale Sucker . 23.1 6.16 lbs. 14.8 Woodland Pond Kevin Fraley Worm 6/27/08 Marias River Longnose Sucker 3.27 lbs. Ray Quigley Worm 5/8/88 . Loma Belt Creek (North of Mottled Sculpin 0.05 lbs. Brad Sullivan Worm 7/30/01 . Neihart MT) Beaver Creek Robert Mountain Sucker 6.2 1.60 oz. Worm 4/23/01 . Reservoir Garwood Mountain 23 5.11 lbs. 12.5 Hauser Reservoir Walt Goodman Rapala 10/10/07 Whitefish .

- 106 - FISHING NEWSLETTER 2020/2021 MONTANA LENGTH GIRTH BAIT FISH WEIGHT SITE ANGLER DATE NATIVE (inches) (inches) TACKLE Northern Noxon Rapids Darrel 27.125 7.88 lbs. Lure 5/28/91 Pikeminnow . Reservoir Torgrimson Tongue River Northern Pike 37.5 lbs. Lance Moyer 1972 Reservoir Missouri River Larry Paddlefish 77 142.5 lbs. 41.75 Snagged 5/20/73 . Near Kipp Park Branstetter Yellowstone River Pallid Sturgeon 60 lbs. 27.5 Gene Sattler 5/13/79 . Near Sidney Peamouth . 16.125 1.52 lbs. Clark Fork River Mike Jensen Artificial Fly 7/29/07 Upper Thompson Pumpkinseed 9.5 0.96 lbs. Nathan Bache Lure 7/30/06 Lake Richard Pygmy Whitefish 9.84 0.36 Ibs. 6.3 Little Bitterroot Lake Maggot 2/13/10 . Geldrich Fort Peck Dredge Jigging Rainbow Smelt 7.1 0.08 lbs. Nathan Cooper 2/18/20 Cuts Spoon Kootenai River Jack G. Rainbow Trout 38.62 33.1 lbs. 27 David Thompson Lure 8/11/97 Housel, Jr. Brdg Rainbow- Cutthroat 35.75 30.25 lbs. 27.5 Ashley Lake Pat Kelley Bait 5/16/82 Hybrid Trout Redside Shiner . 6.5 0.10 lbs. 3.75 Lost Lake Josh Ahles Worm 8/21/01 River Carpsucker . 24 6.95 lbs. 16.5 Fort Peck Reservoir Brady Miller Bow & Arrow 8/15/08 Lower Crazy Head Karson Rock Bass 10.8 1.31 lbs. Nightcrawler 4/26/14 Springs Pond Campbell Whistler/ Sauger 28.2 8.805 lbs. 15.1 Fort Peck Reservoir Gene Moore 12/12/94 . Minnow Fort Peck Reservoir Saugeye 15.66 lbs. Myron Kibler Minnow 1/11/95 Squaw Creek Shorthead Marias River 20.25 4.68 lbs. Ray Quigley Worm 4/14/85 Redhorse . Near Loma Fort Peck Dredge Brandon Bow and Shortnose Gar 35 7.41 lbs. 5/16/13 . Cuts Hansard Arrow Shovelnose 39.75 14.125 lbs. Missouri River Chad Buck Nightcrawler 5/21/10 Sturgeon . Theron Smallmouth Bass 22 7.84 lbs. 17.75 Fort Peck Reservoir Jig & Minnow 10/3/20 Thompson Smallmouth 38 38 lbs. 29.25 Nelson Reservoir Brady Miller Bow & Arrow 4/28/07 Buffalo . Joe Spottail Shiner 3.0 0.02 Ibs. Tiber Reservoir Worm 8/14/10 Hagengruber Stonecat . 10 0.54 lbs. Milk River Dale Bjerga Worm 6/16/96 Deadmans Basin Tiger Muskellunge 50 38.75 lbs. Leo Cantin Bait 9/2/12 Reservoir Wooley Tiger Trout 20.6 4.04 lbs. 12 Bear Lake Joe Sobczak 2/9/97 Bugger Canyon Ferry Eugene Rat Fink/ Utah Chub 1.81 lbs. 2/5/92 Reservoir Bastian Maggots Walleye 35 17.75 lbs. 22 Tiber Reservoir Robert Hart Minnow 11/18/07 Missouri River Vernon White Bass 17 2.80 lbs. 12 Minnow 10/13/07 South of Bainville Pacovsky White Crappie 18.5 3.68 lbs. Tongue River Gene Bassett Worm 5/10/96

White Sturgeon . 75 96 lbs. Kootenai River Herb Stout 1968 White Sucker . 21.625 5.33 lbs. 12.75 Nelson Reservoir Fred Perry Spear 2/10/83 Yellow Bullhead . 14.0 1.62 lbs. 8.9 Ninepipes Reservoir Frank Tepp Lure 2/5/15 Yellow Perch 14.375 2.39 lbs. 12.1875 Lower Stillwater Lake Josh Emmert Jig 2/19/06

- 107 - 5,000 copies of this public document were published at an estimated cost of $0.775 per copy, for a total of $3,877.75, which includes $3,877.75 for printing and $0.00 for distribution.