The annual State of the Missouri program was presented in Helena on February 10th by FWP Fisheries Biologist Jason Mullen.
It turns out the Missouri River was the number one fishery in Montana last year as measured by user days and if the numbers are to be believed that makes the MO a $50 million fishery based on reported trip related expenses. FWP reported 170,850 user days on the Missouri for 2014, 37,000 angler days greater than the previous high on any water in the state and 47,000 greater than the previous high on the Missouri. The methodology of gathering this data may not yield the most accurate numbers but any way you look at it there were a pile of anglers fishing the MO in 2014 which just so happened to be the inaugural season at Wolf Creek Angler….coincidence? We don’t think so!
Fish numbers were down slightly in 2014 with 4,783 rainbows and 592 browns per mile in the Craig section, still well above the historical average for rainbows of 3,284 and slightly above the 577 average for brown trout. With over 5,000 fish per mile it’s no surprise that the Missouri is such an incredibly popular destination.
Many people who come to fish the Missouri for the first time know about the numbers, that’s why they come here, but it’s the average size of the fish that shocks so many. In 2014 we saw an incredible average size of 17″-18″ for both rainbows and browns and while that size class may be on a slight decline for now it’s all cyclical and they will be back.
Overall the river is in great shape and we intend for it to stay that way. There are so many ways we can all do our part to insure the health of the river and to maintain this awesome fishery. Join one or all of the groups dedicated to taking care of the river. Pat Barnes Missouri River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Missouri River Flyfishers and the Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance are all dedicated to this mission and they could all use your help and support. At the very least treat the resource with respect. Be courteous and respectful towards the river and to all of those enjoying it and of course to the landowners who grant us so much awesome access. Handle fish responsibly. Pick up and pack out your own trash and any trash you find. These are easy things to do and they go a long way in promoting harmony on the river.
http://missouririverflyfishers.com/home/home-page/
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