BOZEMAN – Anglers haven’t cast lines from boats on Montana’s Gallatin River for decades, thanks to a longstanding regulation to protect the wade-fishing experience. Now, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) aims to extend a similar ban to the East Gallatin River, known for its low-flow conditions. This proposal is part of the 2027-2028 fishing regulations, currently open for public feedback.
Some anglers support the change, viewing it as a necessary step to preserve critical spawning habitats. Others express concerns about restricted river access, advocating for solutions to nutrient pollution and habitat degradation. FWP’s Mike Duncan, Region 3 Fish Manager, cites dwindling streamflows and rising temperatures as reasons for the proposal. “Anglers, and recreationalists in general, are getting more creative with how they access and fish smaller streams,” he noted.
Duncan emphasized the significant role of the East Gallatin in supporting fish populations from larger rivers. He believes the ban aligns with efforts to reduce pressure on important tributaries. “We’re not seeing as many bigger, adult fish like we used to,” Duncan said, underscoring the need for proactive measures.
Preserving the wade fishing tradition while safeguarding spawning grounds is a primary objective. The East Gallatin, a vital spawning site for fish traveling from larger waterways, needs protection from increased boat traffic. Duncan indicated that low water levels could force boaters to drag their vessels over gravel, disturbing key habitats. The wade fishing method poses less risk to fish eggs, as anglers can navigate exposed gravel bars.
Opposing voices, like Alex Leone from Public Land Water Association, call for more data before enforcing the boat ban, insisting on tackling water quality issues instead. “The biggest problem is not the floaters — it’s the water quality issues,” Leone asserted, advocating for stricter pollution controls in Bozeman.
Guy Alsentzer, Executive Director of Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, urges addressing pollution before limiting boat access, questioning the focus on boat restrictions given the severity of existing water quality threats. He advocates for a cold-water fisheries task force to enhance collaborative efforts across agencies to safeguard Montana’s fisheries.
Trout Unlimited’s Clayton Elliott supports closures backed by science but seeks clarity on how the regulation would alleviate resource concerns. He anticipates thorough discussions at the upcoming FWP meeting in Bozeman. Concerns about the influence of local politics surfaced due to Gov. Greg Gianforte’s property on the East Gallatin, though Duncan clarified that landowners did not influence the proposal.
The full set of regulations is 89 pages long, and the initial public comment period remains open until May 31.
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