The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has introduced new fishing restrictions in the South Fork of the Flathead River and its tributaries after recent reports of record-low bull trout spawning nest counts. The measures, aimed at protecting this threatened species, include additional closures and stricter regulations on when anglers can target bull trout.
The decision was made after the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) agency reported that the number of spawning nests, known as redds, for bull trout in the South Fork and surrounding areas has reached an all-time low. These findings were especially concerning as the data from 2023 and 2024 showed a dramatic 42% drop in the number of bull trout redds compared to the historical average since monitoring began in 1993.
New Restrictions and Areas Affected
In response, the Commission adopted four key amendments to fishing regulations for the 2025-26 seasons. These changes, supported by FWP, are designed to reduce fishing pressures on the bull trout population, which is ecologically and culturally significant to the region.
The new restrictions focus on areas where bull trout spawn and are most vulnerable to handling stress. Two of the amendments specifically close a 300-yard radius to fishing near Big Salmon Creek, where the creek enters Big Salmon Lake. Despite bull trout being a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, anglers have been reported targeting them near the lake’s inlet. The closures are intended to protect these fish during their critical spawning period and help restore their numbers.
FWP’s Efforts to Protect Bull Trout
Leo Rosenthal, a fisheries biologist with FWP in Kalispell, emphasized the need for these proactive measures: “These changes are a proactive approach to maintaining limited fishing opportunities while reducing stress on bull trout. These fish are vital to both the ecosystem and the sport fishing community. We want to maintain opportunities for anglers to enjoy this native species.”
Bull trout were listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 1998. Although the South Fork of the Flathead River still has a relatively healthy population, it remains the only river in Montana where anglers can legally fish for bull trout, but only during a limited season. However, with the reduced number of redds observed over the past two years, FWP has intensified efforts to protect the fish.
Impact of Increased Fishing Pressure
FWP monitoring also reveals that angler numbers in the South Fork of the Flathead River have more than tripled since 2014, with the river’s lowest section yielding around 59% of the total legal bull trout catch. This section is crucial for spawning, with tributaries like Little Salmon Creek and Gordon Creek feeding into the South Fork, making it an area of heightened concern for conservation efforts.
As part of the amendments, fishing for bull trout in the South Fork will be banned for the entire month of July, and additional restrictions will apply from June 15 to September 30, within 300 yards downstream of Gordon and Little Salmon creeks. This is intended to reduce angling pressure during the peak spawning season, ensuring that the fish can spawn undisturbed.
In addition to these changes, anglers must now obtain a special Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card from FWP before fishing for bull trout. This regulation is designed to better monitor and limit the number of fish being caught.
Changes to Hungry Horse Reservoir Regulations
In Hungry Horse Reservoir, another popular fishing area, anglers will be restricted to catching just one bull trout per license year from the third Saturday in May through August 15, down from the previous limit of two fish per year. Like the South Fork, anglers in the reservoir will also need a catch card when fishing for bull trout. These measures are aimed at reducing harvest levels in the reservoir and helping stabilize the population decline.
Support for the New Regulations
The new fishing regulations have received support from various conservation groups, including the Montana Wildlife Federation and Montana Trout Unlimited. These organizations believe the changes strike a necessary balance between protecting the species and allowing responsible fishing.
Chris Servheen, president of the Montana Wildlife Federation, expressed concern over climate change’s impact on bull trout and praised the proactive measures. “These native fish are sensitive to handling, and we are concerned about the future of the species in the face of climate change,” he said. “It is crucial for FWP to take steps to protect these populations.”
FWP’s Jay Pravecek also echoed the sentiment, stating, “We believe, based on the science, that reducing fishing pressure and handling will help stabilize the declining bull trout population.”
The new regulations are a critical step in preserving the bull trout population and maintaining the health of the ecosystem in the region. The hope is that by reducing human impact, the species will recover and thrive for generations to come.
Image/Source: DailyMontanan
