FWP Trout Management in Southwest Montana

SOUTHWEST MONTANA – FWP is launching several research efforts in response to trout declines in the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers. In partnership with Montana State University, the following efforts will examine fish mortality, recruitment and health.

Fish Tagging
FWP and MSU are tagging trout in the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby and Madison rivers. With help from anglers, these tags will help researchers identify individual fish and monitor their health, survival, movement and other indicators over time. Staff plan to tag fish each year for the next three years.

Each tag has a unique number and will be attached to the fish near the dorsal fin. Anglers should use clippers to remove the tag from the fish as close to the skin as possible while minimizing handling time and exposure to air, then submit a report for each tagged fish they catch. These reports will include information such as the tag number, date, location, condition of the fish, gear type used, and whether the angler released or harvested the fish. See below for a how-to video on this process.

Anglers who submit reports may also be eligible for rewards. Blue tags will be entered into a drawing for gear and fishing trips. Yellow tags are each worth $100. Anglers can submit reports here or by calling 406-994-2384.