Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on fishing contests proposed for the upcoming winter season.
Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits. Most contests require catch-and-release fishing and participants in these contests may not keep any fish.
Applications for contests may be approved, denied, or approved with conditions. Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts, or require additional access site maintenance when needed.
Information on the proposed derbies can be obtained by contacting FWP at 406-444-7319, or by email: jlwindon@mt.gov. Send comments by Sept. 12 to: FWP-Fisheries Division, Attn: Public Comment on Fishing Derbies, Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, or email them to: jlwindon@mt.gov.
Proposed 2014-2015 Ice Fishing Derbies
Northwestern Montana, Region 1
Dec. 27 Sunriser Lions Smith Lake Family Fishing Derby – Smith Lake
Jan. 10 The Perch Assault – Smith Lake
Jan. 11 Ice Duels Montana – Smith Lake
Jan. 24-25 Fisher River Valley Winter Fishing Derby – Thompson Lakes
Feb. 1-28 12th Annual Perch Pounder – Region 1 Waters
Feb. 7-8 The Lodge at McGregor Lake Annual Fishing Derby – McGregor Lake
Feb. 14 15th Annual Snappy Sport Senter – Lake Mary Ronan
Feb. 21 Ryan Wagner Memorial Ice Fishing Derby – Murphy Lake
Feb. 21 The Perch Assault – Middle Thompson Lake
Feb. 28 Canyon Kids Christmas Fun Lion Lare Fishing Derby – Lion Lake
March 7 The Perch Assault – Lake Mary Ronan
March 8 Gol-Fishing Ice Tournament – Lake Mary Ronan
March 14-15 4th Annual Bitterroot Bash – Bitterroot Lake
Southwestern Montana, Region 2
Jan. 24-25 Bull Lake Ice Fishing Derby – Bull Lake
South Central Montana, Region 3
Jan. 18 Hebgen Lake NAIFC Qualifier – Hebgen Lake
Jan. 24 Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby – Clark Canyon Reservoir
North Central Montana, Region 4
Jan. 24-25 Broadwater Lions Perch Derby – Canyon Ferry Silos
Jan. 31 Western Bar Ice Fishing Derby – Willow Creek Reservoir
Feb. 14 Valier Volunteer Fire Dept. Fishing Derby – Lake Francis
Northeastern Montana, Region 6
Jan. 24-25 4th Annual Fresno Ice Derby – Fresno Reservoir
Jan. 31 Murph’s 9th Annual Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament – Nelson Reservoir
Feb. 07 Hell Creek Ice Fishing Tournament – Hell Creek Bay/Fort Peck Reservoir
Feb. 21 19th Annual Ice Fishing Derby (Glasgow Chamber) – Fort Peck Reservoir
(feature photo: outsidebozeman.com)