If you’ve ever had strong feelings about how to catch a Smallmouth Bass or exactly what constitutes “bait,” now is your chance to stop shouting at your tackle box and actually influence the rules.

Montana FWP is drafting the 2027–2028 fishing regulations, and they’re currently staring down a list of 41 proposals. They want you—the person actually out on the water—to tell them what works, what doesn’t, and what they might have missed.

How to get involved:

• Show up in person: Swing by the Region 4 office (4600 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls) on Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. to chat with staff.
• Go virtual: If you can’t make it, they’re hosting statewide online meetings on May 26 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Write it in: Check out the full list of proposals online and submit your thoughts via the FWP website, email to fwpfishcomments@mt.gov or snail mail.

The Deadline: Get your feedback in by May 31.

Whether you care about the Missouri River setlines or how we track Tiger Trout, don’t leave it to someone else. Take a look at the proposals, have your say, and help shape the next two years of Montana fishing.

^{Photo by Angela Maxwell}