The 2011 General Montana Fishing Season Opens May 21
With the opening of the general stream-fishing season on May 21, it is time to get out and enjoy the great fishing that Gold West Country has to offer! Check your fishing gear and make sure you have everything you need. Also, don’t forget to pick up a copy of the 2011 fishing regulations from the nearest Fish, Wildlife & Parks office or license provider. A quick review of the fishing regulations is always a good idea. Regulation changes in Gold West Country for the 2011 fishing season include the following:
On Canyon Ferry Reservoir and on the Missouri River between the reservoir and Toston Dam, fishing for brown trout is catch and release only, except anglers 14 years of age and younger may keep one brown trout of any size daily and in possession. Also, on both of these waters, the walleye limit has been dropped to 10 daily, with no more than four over 16 inches and only one over 28 inches. The possession limit is twice the daily limit. Northern pike limits in the upper Missouri River and reservoirs upstream from Holter Dam, and in the three tributaries to the Missouri — the Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison River below Ennis Dam—have been liberalized. There is no limit on northern pike. From Canyon Ferry Dam to Hauser Dam, including Hauser Reservoir and Lake Helena, the walleye limit increased to 20 daily. Only one walleye may be over 28 inches. The yellow perch limit decreased to 25 daily. From Hauser Dam to Holter Dam, the walleye limit increased to 10 daily, and all fish between 20 and 28 inches must be released. The yellow perch limit on Holter Reservoir has been decreased to 25 daily.
Certain locations are stocked with fish so kids can have positive fishing experiences. In the Helena area, you can take your family to Spring Meadow Lake State Park off Montana Highway 12. This is a popular place for young anglers to fish for largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, suckers, westslope cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
For help planning your fishing trip, go to http://southwestmt.com/thegreatoutdoors/fishingguide/.
