Fishing restrictions lifted Blackfoot and Little Blackfoot rivers
September 3rd, 2006 by Fishing admin
Fishing restrictions lifted Blackfoot and Little Blackfoot rivers
GREAT FALLS - The state Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department on Friday lifted fishing restrictions on the Blackfoot and Little Blackfoot rivers, along with the Dearborn, Smith and Sun rivers.
Fishing has been closed from noon until midnight on the Little Blackfoot River since July 27, while the Blackfoot has been under the same restrictions since Aug. 3. Some tributaries have been closed to fishing 24 hours a day.
The tributaries reopened to fishing on Friday are Gold, Belmont, Cottonwood, Copper and Monture creeks, the North Fork of the Blackfoot River and Landers Fork.
“Although conditions are improving, river flows are still low,” said Pat Saffel, regional fisheries manager. “Anglers should quickly play and land fish, handling them as little as possible.” FWP and cooperating drought committees limit or close fishing when water temperatures and flows reach certain thresholds to protect trout.
The Dearborn, Smith and Sun rivers had been closed to fishing from noon to midnight since July 31, due to high water temperature and low water levels.
Bruce Auchly, information officer for FWP in Great Falls, said a cool front passing through the area recently has lowered water temperatures considerably, putting less stress on fish.
“However, the forecast predicts air temperatures close to 90 degrees by early next week,” said Steve Leathe, regional fisheries manager. “Anglers should carry a thermometer and keep an eye on the water temp. If water temps get into the low 70s, the best thing to do for the health of the fishery is stop fishing for the rest of the day.”
By The Associated Press