FWP releases proposed fisheries management plan, EA

HELENA -- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is releasing the proposed 2027–2030 Statewide Fisheries Management Plan and associated environmental assessment (EA) for public review and comment. The plan identifies statewide fisheries-management goals, priorities and strategies intended to sustain and enhance Montana’s fisheries and angling opportunities.

"The current plan sunsets December 31, so a revision is necessary to update and incorporate the most current information available into FWP's overarching fisheries management framework,” said Adam Strainer, FWP’s fisheries division administrator. “Proactive management revisions like this are the key to fisheries management in Montana, now and into the future."

This statewide plan is updated every four years so that it stays current and continues to guide fisheries management as conditions change. The Statewide Fisheries Management Plan was first implemented in 2013 and was last updated in 2023.

The updated plan allows FWP staff to address emerging management priorities, incorporate new population-trend data and other information, revise conservation strategies as needed and respond to changing fish populations and habitat conditions.

To view the proposed plan and draft EA, click here. FWP staff will hold meetings across the state to discuss the updates to the plan. Meeting times and locations are listed below.

Public meeting schedule

• FWP Region 1 – Sept. 3, 6 p.m., FWP Region 1 Headquarters

• FWP Region 2 – Aug. 26, 6:30 p.m., FWP Region 2 Headquarters

• FWP Region 3 – Aug. 27, 6 p.m., FWP Region 3 Headquarters

• FWP Region 4 – Aug. 19, 6 p.m., FWP Region 4 Headquarters

• FWP Region 5 – Aug. 18, 6 p.m., Billings Public Library, Community Room

• FWP Region 6 – Aug. 26, 5 p.m., FWP Region 6 Headquarters

• FWP Region 7 – Aug. 27, 7 p.m., Miles City Community College, Room 106

• Statewide virtual meeting – Aug. 21, noon. A link will be provided at a later date.