The Upper Missouri River Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan guides fisheries management for Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs and the Missouri River from Toston to Canyon Ferry and from Hauser Dam to upper Holter Reservoir. The plan sets fisheries goals to maintain quality multi-species fisheries throughout the system and outlines strategies to effectively meet goals. Development of the plan was completed through rigorous public process and was approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in December 2019.
Proposed changes to walleye fishing
Fish population monitoring conducted in 2020 found that Canyon Ferry walleye numbers are slightly below goals, and fish size is also below goals. In Hauser, walleye numbers are meeting goals, but fish size is below goals.
In both reservoirs, the department is proposing to reduce the daily bag limit to 10 fish daily, with only one fish over 15 inches. Reducing the limit to 10 fish daily is expected to reduce the rate of harvest and keep the number of walleye within goal ranges. Implementing a length restriction of only one fish over 15 inches is intended to improve fish size by focusing harvest on more abundant, smaller fish.
The department is also considering changes to the walleye bag limit in the Missouri River from Toston to Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Three management alternatives are being considered for this river section.
Fisheries management in the reservoir system is guided by the 2020 Upper Missouri River Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan. The plan outlines goals, objectives and management strategies for fisheries in Canyon Ferry, Hauser and Holter reservoirs and for river sections from Toston to Canyon Ferry and from Hauser Dam to upper Holter Reservoir.
Supporting Documents
Public Comment Opportunity
- Comment online below, or
- Email at fwpfsh@mt.gov, or
- Mail to
FWP Reservoir Plan
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620
- Or, at the April 1 Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting
CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF PAGE TO COMMENT:
Deadline: Comments will be accepted through March 15, 2021
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