Spring On The Lower

Spring fly fishing on Montana's Madison River.

FWP Delays Release of Madison River Recreation Plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has announced it will delay the release of an environmental assessment associated with a draft Madison River Recreation Plan, due to funding and staffing uncertainties.

The plan incorporated recommendations from the Madison River Citizen Advisory Committee that addressed social conflict, congestion, and public safety on the river and at fishing access sites. The committee’s recommendations can be viewed on the FWP website.

LINK (via:The Moose)

Trout rescued from West Madison ditch

More than 15 volunteers braved gusty winds and intimidating clouds for the annual West Madison Ditch trout rescue.

According to Madison River Foundation President David Bricker, the volume of fish remaining in the ditch depends on the fall weather, and when and how the ditch company decides to close the head gate. When the water in the ditch is reduced incrementally over time, many of the fish escape back upstream to the Madison River, but if the water is closed off rapidly, many trout of substantial size get stranded in standing pools of water.

LINK (via: The Madisonian)

Madison River Valley: Saving a Last Best Place

The Madison River Valley, in southwest Montana near the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, is one of West’s last best places. Trout Unlimited is partnering with the Trust for Public Land to restore flows and protect habitat and open space in the Madison Valley, a critical migration corridor for wildlife and a world-class wild trout fishery. Outfitter and Sun Ranch manager Craig Mathews explains how the partnership is keeping the river and its tributaries healthy and protecting the valley from overdevelopment.

John Spriggs - Madison River, Montana

John Spriggs fishes the Madison River in Montana on a hot July day.

(via: Cheeky Fly Fishing)

Whirling disease researchers optimistic about Montana's trout

Whirling disease now infects about 150 streams across Montana, but researchers say they are still optimistic about the future of trout fishing in the state.

One of the most promising developments, they say, is the discovery of wild rainbow trout that are naturally resistant to whirling disease. Another is the mysterious rebound of rainbow trout in the Madison River, the first Montana river where whirling disease was discovered.

LINK (via:MSU News)