Trout populations in the Big Hole river increased slightly after hitting historic lows last year, according to preliminary estimates released by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.
Estimates from FWP were completed for sections in the middle stretch of the river. Rainbow trout numbers counted by researchers increased by about one percent. Brown trout numbers doubled from 2023’s lows. However, both populations are still well below historic averages.
FWP reports a good water year in 2023 explained the population growth, as it resulted in increased survival rates for juvenile fish.
Scientists with FWP and Montana State University are working on a mortality study this summer, hoping to identify causes behind a population crash affecting trout in the Jefferson basin.
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The Swan River will see new catch and release fishing regulations this year, following a change by Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission. The new rule attempts to address concerns over low trout numbers, however some say there isn’t data to back that up. -
Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new fishing regulations for the coming year. -
Over 300 acres of wetland meadows in the Big Hole River have been transferred to the U.S. Forest Service for permanent conservation. -
Fishing closures on the Jefferson. Arctic grayling escape fish hatchery. Bison management comment period extended. Dueling wilderness bills advance. Oil & gas cleanup funding for tribal nations. -
Rural businesses and agriculture producers in Montana have been awarded $1.3 million in federal grants to become more energy efficient. A nonprofit organization said an anonymous tip led them to recover a missing piece of expensive monitoring equipment from the Big Hole river last week. -
A nonprofit organization studying water quality along the Big Hole River said some of their monitoring equipment has gone missing.
