Fishing Etiquette

When fishing in Montana there are a few moral guidelines that should be observed. Proper fishing etiquette is important to get the most out of the angling experience while preserving and protecting Montana's pristine waters for future generations.

Be aware that boat access areas can be busy places; you may wish to fish in a location that is less congested. Do not encroach on another angler's space. Use the "visual rule of crowding" and attempt to keep out of sight of other anglers, if at all possible. Try not to monopolize a good fishing spot on the river. Fish for a while, then move on. Understand that there are going to be instances when the wading angler should yield to floaters, because there is no other channel for the floaters to navigate. When possible, avoid using the streambed as a pathway. This type of foot traffic can cause damage to the fragile aquatic habitat. Anglers should use the shoreline to travel from one point to the other, if doing so doesn't violate trespass laws.

Fish have been moved illegally into over 200 waters statewide. Illegally introduced fish can introduce disease or parasites, impact recreational fisheries or native fish populations, and reduce water quality. Illegal transplants cost you as an angler through increased costs for chemical rehabilitation projects, expanded hatchery programs, lost fishing opportunity, and limits on legal fish introductions. In many cases, the fishery can never be recovered. Help curb this harmful practice by only using live bait fish where legal and safely disposing of unused bait fish. Educate other anglers to never move live fish between waters and report violations by calling 1-800-TIPMONT.

Noxious weeds, including spotted knapweed and leafy spurge infest millions of acres and limit recreational opportunities. They also reduce habitat for fish, wildlife and livestock and choke out native plant species. Be a good land steward and learn to identify noxious weed species and prevent their spread. Please support noxious weed management efforts.

Montana's trespass law states that a member of the public has the privilege to enter private land only with the explicit permission of the landowner or his agent, or when the landowner has failed to post a no-trespassing notice . The recreationist is responsible for finding out if private lands are posted. If lands are posted, the recreationist must obtain permission from the landowner before entering them. (Exception: Montana big game hunters must always obtain permission). Recreationists are urged to obtain complete rules about this law from any Fish, Wildlife & Parks office.

Use restrictions at Montana Power Company Dams. In the interest of public health and safety, certain areas above and below all Montana Power Company (MPC) owned and operated dams are closed to the public. These restrictions include areas where no public access is allowed below the ordinary high-water mark and areas of no boating, sailing, floating or swiming. The restricted areas are identified and delineated by signs and/or boat restraining systems. For specific closures, see the current Montana Boating Laws or call MPC's Hydro hotline at 1-800-247-9131 (Montana only).

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has issued advisories for the consumption of fish from certain Montana waters. Fish from some Montana waters contain levels of chemicals which may be harmful to young children, nursing mothers, child-bearing women or persons frequently consuming fish. Information, advice and additional details about fish consumption are available from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Food and Consumer Safety Section, Helena, Montana, 59620; telephone (406)-444-3986.

If you catch a tagged fish, please report the following information to any Fish, Wildlife & Parks office:

1. the tags's number and color;
2. the date the fish was caught;
3. the species of the fish;
4. the fish's length and weight (close as possible);
5. location of the catch (the body of water and distance from nearest landmark);
6. if the fish was kept or released; and
7. the name and address of the angler

To ensure a released fish has the best chance for survival follow these few simple guidelines. Play the fish as rapidly as possible, do not play it to total exhaustion. Try to keep the fish in water as much as possible when handling and removing the hook. Remove the hook gently and do not squeeze the fish or put your fingers in its gills. If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line. Do not yank the hook out, because most fish survive with hooks left in them. Release the fish only after it has gained its equilibrium. If necessary, gently hold the fish upright in the current facing upstream and move it slowly back and forth. Release the fish in quiet water close to the area where it was hooked.

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Public Notice browser Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.

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Special Advisory-Whirling Disease

Montana's wild and native trout are among the nation's most precious natural resources. Whirling disease, a potentially fatal illness of trout and salmon, has been found in Montana. We need your help to prevent its spread and preserve our fisheries for future generations.

The tiny parasite that cause the trout illness can survive within live fish, dead fish, and in water and riverbed mud. It can even survive in dry mud.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks urges anglers, boaters and others to follow these DOs & DON'Ts:

DO remove all mud and aquatic plants from your vehicle, boat, anchor, trailer and axles, waders, boots and fishing gear before departing the fishing access site or boat dock.

DO dry your boat and equipment between river trips.

DON'T transport fish from one body of water to another.

DON'T dispose of fish entrails, skeletal parts, or other by-products in any body of water.

DON'T collect sculpins (also known as bullheads) or use sculpins as bait.

For more information on whirling disease contact the Governor's Whirling Disease Task Force Site at www.whirlingdisease.org.