Montana Fishing Report 5-04-10

[Saltwater Fishing]

By Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Statewide Information Officer
Monday, May 03, 2010
Fishing

Anglers may be surprised to hear that Montana’s online Animal Field Guide isn’t exclusively for hunters—it is also a guide to the state’s fish. Montana’s general fishing season opens May 15.

The Animal Field Guide is on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks homepage at fwp.mt.us under Guides and Planners.

“The field guide is a great resource for anglers who want to learn more about the fish they find in Montana’s waters—from our prized sport fish to lesser known species,” said Bruce Rich, FWP Fisheries Bureau chief.

Rich said as many as 81 different fish species populate Montana’s waters, representing more than 21 families of fish—about 55 of these species are considered native.

Take the popular salmon and trout family, for example. Consulting the Animal Field Guide anglers will find little known facts about this fish family that includes the rainbow trout, bull trout, cisco, kokanee salmon, Arctic Grayling, Yellowstone cutthroat trout and the Columbia River redband trout, among other species.

Check these gems out.

Beginning in 1889, rainbow trout were introduced from numerous hatchery stocks into virtually every suitable habitat in the state. Scientists believe that only the rainbow trout of the upper Kootenai River drainage are native to this state.
The brown trout in Montana’s waters today evolved in Europe and western Asia. Brown trout were introduced to North America in 1883 and to Montana in 1889 in the Madison River.
The "brookie" or brook trout was introduced to Montana from eastern North America in 1889.
“Many of Montana’s warm water fish were also introduced to our waters in the early days and today provide popular sport fishing,” Rich said. “The Animal Field Guide tells their stories too.”

Here are some examples.

The pumpkinseed, a small sunfish, was first found in Montana in 1910 in sloughs near Kalispell. These beautiful little fish can grow to one pound and provide some fun fishing and good eating.
T he smallmouth bass has been called "pound for pound the best fighting game fish alive." Smallmouth bass are native to eastern and central North America, not Montana. They were first transplanted to Horseshoe Lake near Bigfork in 1914.
Rich said the Field Guide also covers fish species that are not harvested. For example, the short-nosed gar—a native fish found only in the dredge ponds below Fort Peck Reservoir.

Anglers and others interested in learning more about the fish of Montana will enjoy a visit to the Montana Animal Field Guide.


http://fwp.mt.gov/news/fishing.html

[Saltwater Fishing]

Anglers—Keep The Tip-Mont Number Handy
Monday, May 03, 2010
Fishing

With Montana’s general fishing season opening May 15, FWP reminds anglers to make a note of the TIP-MONT hotline and keep it handy this fishing season. It is 1-800-TIP-MONT, or 1-800-847-6668.

Anglers can call the TIP-MONT hotline toll free to report natural resource crimes they observe any time they are in the outdoors related to fishing, spring turkey and black bear hunting, and vandalism on public lands and in Montana State Parks. To report violations or suspected violations, call: 1-800-TIP-MONT. For more information, visit FWP’s web site at fwp.mt.gov and search for TIP-MONT.


http://fwp.mt.gov/news/fishing.html

[Saltwater Fishing]

Illegal Bucket Biology
Monday, May 03, 2010
Fishing

Today, with the widespread recreational use of Montana’s waters, the threat of illegal introductions of fish is greater than ever.

Illegally introduced fish and other aquatic species can harm native, wild and stocked fish populations; spread disease; impact water quality and aquatic habitat; increase fishery management costs by requiring additional fish plants or chemical rehabilitation; and diminish fishing opportunities in the state.

To report an illegal introduction call 1-800-TIP-MONT.

FWP investigates potential illegal introductions, may prosecute violators, and can require restitution for the costs of removing the introduced species and re-establishing the original fishery.

If you witness an illegal fish introduction, please report it immediately by calling 1-800-TIP-MONT, that is 1-800-847-6668.


http://fwp.mt.gov/news/fishing.html