https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/montana-trout-populations-continue-decline
New data reveals the lowest recorded numbers of brown and rainbow trout in the Big Hole River since 1969, with a 61-percent decline over the past decade. (Photo courtesy of Wade Fellin/Big Hole Lodge)
FLYFISHERMAN online magazine ARTICLE
UPDATE, 6/8/2023: The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Fish and Wildlife Commission has responded to requests for action on the trout declines in the Jefferson River drainage by approving new regulations for the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby rivers. Click here to see a full list of the new laws, which go into effect immediately.
The Big Hole and other southwest Montana rivers are facing an ongoing decline in their trout populations, and guides, outfitters, fly-shop owners and anglers are expressing grave concerns about the worsening situation.
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) data from the Big Hole River reveals the lowest recorded numbers of brown and rainbow trout since 1969. Brown-trout population issues were first noted across southwest Montana in 2021, but the recent data also shows a decimated rainbow trout population.
“I’m very concerned,” Jim Olsen, the FWP Fisheries Biologist in charge of the Big Hole drainage, said in a KXLF news story. “It’s because A, the whole population is low, and B, we have very few small fish. So, the prognosis for next year and the coming years is not very good.” | read article
