Page 62 - Flathead Beacon // 5.25.16

EXPLORE GENERAL STREAM FISHING SEASON BEGINS
BY DILLON TABISH
FISHING HAS A PARTICULAR romance and resonance in Mon- tana. This is a state made famous by blue-ribbon trout streams and abundant lakes and where literature, artwork and lms have been devoted to shing’s power and mystique.
After spending the winter tying ies and practicing their casts, anglers now have the best opportunities across Montana. The general stream season began May 21 and state managers are reminding anglers to review the proper ways to catch and release sh, which can greatly a ect survival rates.
Anglers can reduce stress on a sh by keeping it wet while landing and releasing it and by wetting their hands before han- dling the sh. Anglers should keep the sh in the water as much as possible so its gills can absorb oxygen. Remove the hook gently before release.
Anglers should also consider limiting their catch for the bene t of the sh popu- lation, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
“How the angler handles their sh has a huge e ect on the survival and stress on that sh,” said Mark Deleray, FWP’s regional sheries program manager. “We’re trying to be proactive and encourage best manage- ment practices among anglers.”
For more information about best prac- tices, visit fwp.mt.gov.
An angler tries his luck. BEACON FILE PHOTO
COWS IN THE STREAM?
• Fence livestock out of streams to protect the banks and riparian areas.
• Maintain aquatic health by keeping livestock waste out of the water.
• Provide healthy watering areas such as stock tanks, nose pumps or water gaps.
• Create a multiple-pasture grazing system to provide healthy forage & soil with fewer weeds.
• Keep animals out of the mud & manure!
CONTACT:
FLATHEAD
CONSERVATION DISTRICT (406) 752-4220 • www.flatheadcd.org Locally-Led Conservation Since 1945
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MAY 25, 2016 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM