Montana FWP is taking a pretty simple approach to a complicated fish problem in the Flathead, according to an article by Jules Lingenfelter with the Flathead Beacon. They are doing what they can to protect the native fish and put more pressure on the newcomers.
After brown trout showed up in Ashley Lake and were most likely detected in Church Slough, FWP wants anglers to kill and report any they catch in Flathead Lake or upstream waters. As fisheries biologist Kenny Breidinger told the Flathead Beacon, “Our goal is to prevent them from becoming established before they have a lasting impact.”
Meanwhile, proposed 2027-28 rules would get rid of limits on several nonnative fish, including northern pike and lake trout, partially to reduce pressure on bull trout. Bull trout in Hungry Horse Reservoir would get more protection after spawning counts hit all-time lows.
Basically, brown trout are getting the boot, some nonnatives are getting fewer protections, and bull trout are getting more. The Fish and Wildlife Commission takes up the proposals Oct. 14.
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