General Fishing Regulations

Laws and Rules

Beaver Ponds: Beaver ponds on streams are governed by the same regulations that govern the streams.

Boat and Motor Restrictions: A complete, updated, copy of Montana Boating Laws can be obtained from any FWP office or FWP licenseproviders. All passengers under the age of 12 must wear a personal floatation device (PFD) at all times when the boat is in motion if the boat isless than 26 feet long. A wearable, U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD must be available for each occupant of any boat.

Check Stations: Anglers and hunters are required to stop as directed at all designated check stations on the way to and from fishing andhunting areas, even if they have no fish or game to be checked.

Closed Waters: Waters operated as fish hatcheries and rearing ponds by FWP and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service shall be closed to fishing at alltimes. Waters in which FWP operates fish traps and other structures are closed to fishing as posted. Certain water-supply lakes, streams, andhazardous areas are also closed as posted.

Crossbows: Unlawful.

Disposal of Dead Fish and Fish Entrails: When you are in a boat on the water and fishing, it is acceptable to dispose of fish entrails in deep waterin the lake, reservoir or river. When you are near or on the shore or bank, it is recommended that you bag all fish remains and dispose of the bag inan appropriate garbage receptacle. Help keep the shoreline clean for others. It is unlawful to discard game fish; however, dead nongame fish may betreated like fish entrails for disposal purposes (puncture the bladder first so the fish will sink).

Family Fishing Waters: Numerous waters across the state provide excellent fishing opportunities for young anglers. A few waters have been setaside exclusively for the use of young anglers. Waters posted as Family Fishing Waters are open to fishing during the entire year to persons 14years of age and younger only with the exception of Indian Road Pond near Townsend (see District Exceptions). One rod allowed per child. There are70 Family Fishing Waters in Montana. All Family Fishing Waters are listed under the Fish tab on the FWP website (see Additional AnglingResources). Fishing From Boats/Vessels, Float Fishing and Float Outfitting: Are regulated on some rivers and streams (see DistrictExceptions for regulated waters). These regulations apply as follows:

• When a water is closed to Fishing From Boats/Vessels, an angler may not fish while on any boat or vessel. However, an angler may use aboat or vessel to access wade fishing opportunities. The angler must be completely out of the boat or vessel while wade fishing.
• When a water is closed to Float Fishing, an angler may not fish from a boat or vessel, and may not wade fish in the river or stream, orfrom the bank or shoreline of the river or stream, when fishing access is gained by boat or vessel.
• When a water is closed to Float Outfitting, the operation of any boat or vessel for the commercial purpose of float fishing by a fishing outfitter or fishing guide is prohibited.

Fishing Methods: Fish may be taken only by hook and line or other approved methods. Regulations for the taking of fish are listed in the standard regulations for each fishing district (see pages 23, 50 & 79).

Handling and Transporting Legally Taken Fish

It is required that before transporting legally taken fish:

While a person is fishing, or while on the water, or on the ice:

All fish in possession must be visibly identifiable to species.

• Unless size limits apply, fish may be cleaned prior to transport, so long as the entire skin remains attached to the fish or fillet for identification(see Disposal of Dead Fish and Fish Entrails above). Two fillets will be counted as one fish.
• If the catch is frozen prior to transport, each fish or fillet must be packaged so it can be counted.
• This does not prohibit the consumption of fish on the ice or water. However, the fish consumed are part of your daily limit.

Once off the water, fish may be dressed, filleted, and skin removed for transport to your permanent residence, unless size limits apply, under the following conditions:

• All fish can be counted and identified. Two fillets will be counted as one fish. If the catch is frozen prior to transport, each fish or fillet mustbe packaged so it can be counted.
• Salmonids (trout, salmon, arctic grayling, char and whitefish): the entire skin must be attached to the fillet for identification.

Transport of any live fish or crayfish is unlawful in the Western Fishing District.

Ice Fishing Size of Hole

• In waters not open to spearing, the maximum size hole that may be used for ice fishing is 144 square inches or 12 inches in diameter.
• There is no size limit for a hole used for fishing with a spear.

Shelters: It is unlawful to use any ice fishing shelter not conforming to the following rules:

Waste and Rubbish Disposal: Owners and occupants of shelters are required to keep their shelters (and the area immediately around them)free from rubbish and trash. Anglers must remove waste materials before they leave for the day.

Removal: Daily removal of shelters is required on some waterbodies. See district exceptions.

Removal After the Season: The owner of an ice fishing shelter shall remove it from the ice before it becomes irretrievable at the end of theseason, or within five days from receipt of notification from FWP to remove the shelter.

Irrigation Canals and Ditches: Man-made irrigation canals and ditches are open to fishing year round unless stated otherwise in exceptions tostandard regulations. The same daily and possession limits apply to them as for rivers/streams. Anglers need to be aware that the Montana Stream Access Law does not apply to canals and ditches. Under Montana’s trespass law, permission to access these waters is implied if the land isnot posted, but that implied permission may be revoked at any time. It is best to obtain the explicit permission of the landowner. Where ditches cross land belonging to others, rights of the ditch owner versus those of the landowner vary. Therefore, always obey any sign clearly marking theditch as closed to public access or fishing.

Methods of Taking Fish

• Spears and bows are counted as lines for purposes of determining line limits.
• When multiple lines are allowed on a body of water, the number of lines shall not exceed the combination of attended lines, setlines, orspears. For example, while spearing for northern pike on Tongue River Reservoir in the winter (where the limit is six lines through theice), an angler may only have five setlines in use.
• All unattended fishing devices (crayfish traps, minnow traps, fish traps, setlines, etc.) must have the angler’s name and phone number orname and an individual identifying number issued by the department attached.

Nets and Traps: Landing nets may be used for landing hooked fish. See Bait Regula- tions for use of nets to harvest bait fish.

Penalties: Most fish and game violations are misdemeanors that are punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and imprisonment for not longerthan six months. The court may also order the forfeiture of any current hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and the privilege to hunt, fishand trap, or use state lands for recreational purposes for a period set by the court.

Taking an over limit of fish will result in a fine plus restitution to the state for each fish over the limit. Restitution for bull trout may be up to $500per fish and for river arctic grayling, white sturgeon, and paddlefish restitution is $300 per fish.

Setlines

• Number of lines is the same as for hook and line limits. Setlines may be used in all waters unless prohibited in the District Exceptions to Standard Regulations.
• Setlines (unattended lines) must be checked by the owner at least once every 24 hours.
• The angler’s name and phone number or name and an individual identifying number issued by the department must be attached to eachsetline.
• Setlines shall not be attached to jugs or other floating devices.
• Setlines are not allowed in the Western Fishing District.

Sloughs: Sloughs with surface water connecting to a river at any time during the year fall under the river regulations for that river, unless listedunder the exceptions. Sloughs with no surface water connecting to a river at any time during the year fall under standard lake limits unless listedunder the exceptions.

Stream Access Law: Under the Montana Stream Access Law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinaryhigh-water marks. Although the law gives recreationists the right to use rivers and streams for water- related recreation, it does not give them theright to enter private lands bordering those streams or to cross private lands to gain access to streams without landowner permission.

Trespass Law: Montana’s trespass law states that a member of the public has the privilege to enter private land only:

With the explicit permission of the landowner or his/her agent, or

• When the landowner has failed to post a no-trespassing notice or mark legal accesses with 50 square inches of orange.

Use of Attractor: A bead fixed on a line or leader 2 inches or less from the eye of a bare hook is considered an artificial lure. Fishing with abead that serves as an attractor more than 2 inches from the eye of a bare hook or artificial fly is considered snagging and is unlawful.

It is Unlawful and a Misdemeanor:

• To violate any regulations listed in this booklet.
• To introduce any fish or viable fish eggs into any waters without FWP permission.
• To refuse to show one’s Fishing License upon demand.
• To refuse to show one’s fish upon demand.
• To loan or transfer your Fishing License or tags to any person.
• To sell game fish except as prescribed by commission regulations.
• To leave or dump any dead animal, fish, garbage or litter in or on any state, federal or private property where public recreation is permitted.
• To stun or kill fish by using any carbide, lime, giant powder, dynamite, or other explosive compounds, or any corrosive or narcotic poison. Topossess these substances within 100 feet of any stream where fish are found is unlawful.
• To hire or retain an unlicensed outfitter or guide.

Unlawful Introductions

• Fines of $2,000 up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.
• Liability for all costs to eliminate or mitigate the effects of the violation.
• Loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for at least five years.

Waste of Fish or Game: To purposely waste any part of a game fish suitable for food by transporting, hanging, or storing the carcass or flesh in amanner that renders it unfit for human consumption; or, to abandon or dispose of, in the field or water, the carcass or flesh of any game fishsuitable for food; or, to use the carcass or flesh of any game fish as bait except as authorized in the bait regulations.

General Information For Anglers

Landowner Permission: FWP recommends that recreationists obtain landowner permission to cross private land to access a stream. Completerules are available at any FWP office.

Catch–and–Release Angling: Waters designated catch-and-release for one or more species of fish require that those fish be releasedalive promptly, with little or no delay. Before you start fishing in these waters, consider the following in order to give the fish you release thebest possible chance to survive: 1) Artificial lures are preferred over bait to reduce deep hooking and catch-and-release mortality; 2) Singlehooks are preferred over treble or multiple hooks because they are easier and quicker to remove; 3) Barbless hooks are recommended over barbed hooks because they are easier to remove and reduce release time; 4) Heavier gear is preferred over lighter gear because it makes it easier to landfish; and 5) Rubber or neoprene nets are preferable because they are less likely than nylon nets to catch hooks which increases release time.

River Etiquette

• Be aware that boat access areas can be busy places; you may wish to fish in a location that is less congested.
• Do not encroach on another angler’s space. Use the “visual rule of crowding” and attempt to keep out of sight of other anglers, if at all possible.
• Try not to monopolize a good fishing spot on the river. Fish for awhile, then move on.
• Boats should always yield to wade anglers, however, there are instances when the wading angler should yield to floaters, such as when there is no other channel for the floaters to navigate.
• When possible, avoid using the streambed as a pathway. This type of foot traffic can cause damage to the fragile aquatic habitat. Anglers should use the shoreline to travel from one point to the other, if doing so does not violate trespass and stream access laws.

Releasing Fish

To ensure a released fish has the best chance for survival:

• Play the fish as rapidly as possible. Do not play it to total exhaustion.
• Keep the fish in water as much as possible when handling and removing the hook.
• Remove the hook gently. Do not squeeze the fish or put your fingers in its gills. There are release devices available from most sporting/fishing stores to assist you, and the use of barbless hooks makes releasing fish easier.
• Set the hook quickly to avoid deep hooking the fish. If the fish is deeply hooked and must be released by regulation, cut the line insidethe mouth opening. Do not yank the hook out, as some fish will survive with hooks in them. Anglers should strongly consider keepingfish deeply-hooked in the throat or gills if allowed by regulations on that waterbody.
• Release the fish only after it has gained its equilibrium. If necessary, gently hold the fish upright in the current facing upstream and moveit slowly back and forth.
• Release the fish in quiet water close to the area where it was hooked.

Lake/Reservoir fishing from boats:

• Fish caught from deep water may be unable to vent their air bladder and may “bloat.” Puncturing the air bladder or “fizzing” is not recommended because it may cause infections. A simple release tool will facilitate releasing the fish in deep water and recompressing itquickly. All you need is a 50-foot cord, a weight, and a hook. Dull the hook, flatten the barb and attach the hook inline just above theweight with knots at the hook eye and bend. The hook should be pointing down toward the weight. Place the hook over the lower jaw ofthe fish and let the weight drop, pulling the fish down rapidly. A tug on the cord will release the fish.

Federal Wildlife Refuges: Certain waters on Federal Wildlife Refuges may have special rules. Specific information may be obtained from theheadquarters of the federal refuge involved.

Measuring Fish: Measure the greatest length from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Place the fish on a flat surface and squeeze the lobes ofthe tail fin together so as to achieve the greatest length. Do not measure over the curve of the body. Tagged Fish: It is legal to harvest a radio-tagged fish, however, the radio tag must be returned to FWP. If you catch a tagged fish, please report the following information to any FWP office oronline at fwp.mt.gov/fish/report-your-catch

1. The tag’s number and color;
2. The date the fish was caught;
3. The species of the fish;
4. The fish’s length and weight (close as possible);
5. Location of the catch (the body of water and distance from nearest landmark);
6. Whether the fish was kept or released; and
7. The name, address, and email address of the angler.

General Information for Anglers

Catch–and–Release Angling: Waters designated catch-and-release for one or more species of fish require that those fish be released alive promptly,with little or no delay. Before you start fishing in these waters, consider the following in order to give the fish you release the best possible chance tosurvive: 1) Artificial lures are preferred over bait to reduce deep hooking and catch-and-release mortality; 2) Single hooks are preferred over treble ormultiple hooks because they are easier and quicker to remove; 3) Barbless hooks are recommended over barbed hooks because they are easier toremove and reduce release time; 4) Heavier gear is preferred over lighter gear because it makes it easier to land fish; and 5) Rubber or neoprene nets arepreferable because they are less likely than nylon nets to catch hooks which increases release time. Fishing From Boats/Vessels, Float Fishing andFloat Outfitting are regulated on some rivers and streams (see District Exceptions for regulated waters). These regulations apply as follows:

• When a water is closed to “Fishing From Boats/Vessels,” an angler may not fish while on any boat or vessel. However, an angler may use aboat or vessel to access wade fishing opportunities. The angler must be completely out of the boat or vessel while wade fishing.
• When a water is closed to “Float Fishing,” an angler may not fish from a boat or vessel, and may not wade fish in the river or stream, or fromthe bank or shoreline of the river or stream, when fishing access is gained by boat or vessel.
• When a water is closed to “Float Outfitting,” the operation of any boat or vessel for the commercial purpose of float fishing by a fishing outfitter or fishing guide is prohibited.

River Etiquette

• Be aware that boat access areas can be busy places; you may wish to fish in a location that is less congested.
• Do not encroach on another angler’s space. Use the “visual rule of crowding” and attempt to keep out of sight of other anglers, if at all possible.
• Try not to monopolize a good fishing spot on the river. Fish for a while, then move on.
• Boats should always yield to wade anglers, however, there are instances when the wading angler should yield to floaters, such as when there is no other channel for the floaters to navigate.
• When possible, avoid using the streambed as a pathway. This type of foot traffic can cause damage to the fragile aquatic habitat. Anglers should use the shoreline to travel from one point to the other, if doing so does not violate trespass and stream access laws.

Fishing Methods: Fish may be taken only by hook and line or other approved methods. Regulations for the taking of fish are listed in the standard regulations for each fishing district.

Releasing Fish

To ensure a released fish has the best chance for survival:

Play the fish as rapidly as possible. Do not play it to total exhaustion.

• Keep the fish in water as much as possible when handling and removing the hook.
• Remove the hook gently. Do not squeeze the fish or put your fingers in its gills. There are release devices available from most sporting/fishingstores to assist you, and the use of barbless hooks makes releasing fish easier.
• Set the hook quickly to avoid deep hooking the fish. If the fish is deeply hooked and must be released by regulation, cut the line inside the mouth opening. Do not yank the hook out, as some fish will survive with hooks in them. Anglers should strongly consider keeping fish deeply-hooked in the throat or gills if allowed by regulations on that waterbody.
• Release the fish only after it has gained its equilibrium. If necessary, gently hold the fish upright in the current facing upstream and move it slowly back and forth.
• Release the fish in quiet water close to the area where it was hooked.

Lake/Reservoir fishing from boats:

• Fish caught from deep water may be unable to vent their air bladder and may “bloat.” Puncturing the air bladder or “fizzing” is not recommended because it may cause infections. A simple release tool will facilitate releasing the fish in deep water and recompressing it quickly.All you need is a 50-foot cord, a weight and a hook. Dull the hook, flatten the barb and attach the hook inline just above the weight withknots at the hook eye and bend. The hook should be pointing down toward the weight. Place the hook over the lower jaw of the fish and let the weight drop, pulling the fish down rapidly. A tug on the cord will release the fish.

Disposal of Dead Fish and Fish Entrails: When you are in a boat on the water and fishing, it is acceptable to dispose of fish entrails in deep water inthe lake, reservoir or river. When you are near or on the shore or bank, it is recommended that you bag all fish remains and dispose of the bag inan appropriate garbage receptacle. Help keep the shoreline clean for others. It is unlawful to discard game fish; however, dead non-game fish may betreated like fish entrails for disposal purposes (puncture the bladder first so the fish will sink).

Check Stations: Anglers and hunters are required to stop as directed at all designated check stations on the way to and from fishing and hunting areas,even if they have no fish or game to be checked.

Family Fishing Waters: Numerous waters across the state provide excellent fishing opportunities for young anglers. A few waters have been setaside exclusively for the use of young anglers. Waters posted as Family Fishing Waters are open to fishing during the entire year to persons 14 years ofage and younger only with the exception of Indian Road Pond near Townsend (see District Exceptions). One rod allowed per child. There are 70 FamilyFishing Waters in Montana. All Family Fishing Waters are listed under the Fish tab on the FWP website (see Additional Angling Resources). FederalWildlife Refuges: Certain waters on Federal Wildlife Refuges may have special rules. Specific information may be obtained from the headquartersof the federal refuge involved.

Measuring Fish: Measure the greatest length from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Place the fish on a flat surface and squeeze the lobes of thetail fin together so as to achieve the greatest length. Do not measure over the curve of the body. Tagged Fish: It is legal to harvest a radio taggedfish, however, the radio tag must be returned to FWP. If you catch a tagged fish, please report the following information to any Fish, Wildlife & Parks officeor online at fwp.mt.gov/fish/report-your-catch

1. The tag’s number and color;
2. The date the fish was caught;
3. The species of the fish;
4. The fish’s length and weight (close as possible);
5. Location of the catch (the body of water and distance from nearest landmark);
6. Whether the fish was kept or released; and
7. The name, address, and email address of the angler.

Definitions

Angling/Fishing: Angling or fishing means to capture or attempt to capture fish, or the act of a person possessing any instrument, article, orsubstance for the pur- pose of taking fish in any location that a fish might inhabit.

Artificial Lure: Any item designed to attract fish. These include, but are not lim- ited to, flies, hard plastic or wood lures (stick baits and plugs),soft plastic imitations, metal spoons, lead head lures, bladed lures, spinners, and spinner baits. Artificial lures are considered single devicesregardless of the number of hooks. A lure with multiple hooks may not be connected to another lure.

Attended Line: A line with/without a pole held in hand or under immediate control. When used through the ice, the angler need not be inimmediate control but must be in the vicinity and in visual contact with the line.

Calendar Day: A 24-hour period from midnight to midnight.

Daily Limit: The number of fish that may be legally taken during a calendar day. A fish when landed and not immediately released becomes part of the bag limit of the person originally hooking the fish even if the fish is donated to another person. If you receive fish from another angler, those fish also become part of your daily limit.

Drainage: All of the waters comprising a watershed, including tributary rivers, streams, sloughs, ponds, and lakes that contribute to the water supply of the watershed.

Dressed Fish: A fish that has been cleaned by removing the entrails. Dressed fish also may be filleted and/or have their head, gills, and scales removed.

Endangered Species: Species in imminent danger of extinction throughout their range and listed by state or federal regulation.

Fishing Access Site (Fas): An area adjacent to a stream or lake that has been acquired by FWP to allow anglers access to a water body. Fishing access sites are funded in part by Fishing License fees, state park light weight vehicle registration fees, and Conservation License fees.

Fishing From Boats/Vessels: Fishing while on any boat or vessel. When a water is designated as closed to fishing from boats/vessels,anglers may not fish from a boat or vessel, but may use a boat or vessel to access wade fishing opportu- nities. An angler must be completely out of the boat or vessel while wade fishing.

Float Fishing: Any fishing from a boat or vessel, or wade fishing when fishing access is gained by boat or vessel. When a water isdesignated as closed to float fishing, an angler may not fish from a boat, and may not wade fish in the river or stream, or from the bank or shoreline of the river or stream, when access is gained by boat or vessel.

Float Outfitting: The operation of any boat or vessel for the commercial purpose of float fishing by a fishing outfitter or fishing guide.

Gaff: A hook attached directly to a pole (metal or wooden shaft) or other device. Use of gaffs is permitted only to help land a fish that waslawfully hooked.

Game Fish: All species of the family Salmonidae (trout, salmon, arctic grayling, whitefish, cisco, and chars); all species of the genus Sander(sauger and walleye); all species of the genus Esox (northern pike and tiger muskie); all species of the genus Micropterus (bass); all species of the genus Polyodon (paddlefish); all species of the family Acipenseridae (sturgeon); the genus Lota (burbot or ling); the species Perca flavescens (yellow perch); all species of the genus Pomoxis (crappie); and the species Ictalurus punctatus (channel catfish).

Bull trout are defined as any trout with white leading margins on the lower fins and no markings on the dorsal fin. (Note: it is unlawful tointentionally fish for bull trout in any waters unless specifically authorized in the Western Fishing District Regula- tions.)

Cutthroat trout are defined as any trout with a red or orange stripe under its jaw. See the inside cover for an identification (ID) key (page 89).

Sauger are defined as any Sander (sauger/walleye) with multiple small, distinct black spots on the spiny (first) dorsal fin ray membranes.

Hook: A hook is a single, double, or treble point attached to a single shank or an artificial lure.

Hoop Net: A cylindrical or conical net distended by a series of hoops or frames, covered by web netting. The net has one or more internalfunnel-shaped throats whose tapered ends are directed inward from the mouth.

Legally Taken: Any fish caught using legal methods and not immediately released alive.

Length: Measure the greatest length from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Place the fish on a flat surface and squeeze the lobes of the tailfin together so as to achieve the greatest length. Do not measure over the curve of the body.

Live Bait: Live bait are animals such as meal worms, red worms, night crawlers, leeches, maggots, crayfish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, which may be used as live bait on all waters not restricted to artificial flies and lures. Live bait includes fish only as specified in Live Bait sections forthe Central and Eastern Fishing Districts. No live fish can be used as live bait in the Western Fishing District. Sculpins may not be used as bait live or dead in the Western Fishing District.

Mainstream: In a drainage, the mainstem is the primary stream or river into which most tributaries flow.

Motorboat: A vessel, including a personal watercraft or pontoon, propelled by any machinery/motor/engine of any description, whether or not the machinery/ motor/engine is the principal source of propulsion. The term includes boats tempo- rarily equipped with detachable motors/engines.

Nongame Fish: Any wild fish not otherwise legally classified by statute or regulation.

Noodling: A technique for catching fish by hand. It is unlawful to catch fish by hand in any district.

Permanent Residence: The physical abode or structure you maintain as your principal, legal residence. A person may have only onepermanent residence.

Possession Limit: The number of fish that may be possessed at any time in any form: fresh, stored in freezers or lockers, salted, smoked, dried,canned, or preserved.

Reservoir: A body of water artificially impounded behind a man-made dam that extends upstream to the mouth of its inlet stream(s) or river. Reservoirs do not include waters incidentally impounded on a stream or river by astructure such as a check dam for irrigation, a headgate to divert water for irrigation, or similar struc- tures. Under normal operations, reservoirpool elevation, surface acreage and the mouths of the inlet stream(s) are expected to vary throughout the year. An imagi- nary line connectingthe reservoir shoreline across the mouth of the stream marks the boundary between reservoir and stream/river, and the boundary will move as reservoir levels change. Streams are defined by a sloped streambed that results in a defined current flow between two discernible stream banks.Stream regulations apply upstream from the mouth on the reservoir and often are managed under sea- sons, limits and special regulations thatdiffer from the reservoir regulations.

Salmonidae: Any species of trout, char, salmon, arctic grayling, cisco, or white- fish. Wild salmonids possess an adipose fin (small fleshy finon the back near the tail); hatchery-reared fish sometimes have had this fin intentionally removed.

Seine: A net, usually suspended between two poles, which is pulled through the water to capture fish for bait. Seines used for this purposemust not exceed 12 feet in length and 4 feet in width.

Setline: A line or lines with or without a pole set to catch fish without the angler being present or within immediate control. The angler’s name,phone number, or an individual identifying number issued by the department must be attached. Setlines are not allowed in the Western FishingDistrict.

Snagging: A technique of angling in which a hook or hooks are cast into the water and manipulated to embed the hook or hooks into the body of the fish. You have snagged a fish if: (a) you are fishing in a manner that the fish does not voluntarily take the hook in its mouth, or (b) if you accidentally hook the fish in a part of the body other than the mouth.

Spear: Any sharp-pointed instrument, with or without barbs, used to capture and/ or kill fish by penetrating the body. Usually a spear consists of ashaft with a sharp head or point. Spears may be hand-propelled or propelled with a spring or rubber band.

Species of Concern: Native Montana species with limited habitats and/or limited numbers in the state. Such species are at risk of becoming threatened.

Stream Mouth: The downstream point defined as a straight line running from the most downstream extremity on one stream bank to the most downstream extremity on the other stream bank or a point defined and marked by FWP (also see Reservoir definition).

Threatened Species: Species that may become endangered within the foresee- able future without conservation measures.

Tributary: Any watercourse that flows into a body of water, including tributaries to a tributary.

Vessel: Every type of watercraft or boat capable of being used as a means of transportation on water except devices that are propelled entirely by kicking fins and the floater sits in the water, such as inner tubes (motor vehicle type), float tubes (belly boats), air mattresses, and sailboards when used without mechanical propulsion by an individual. Contact your local warden for more information.

Waste of Fish or Game: To purposely waste any part of a game fish suitable for food by transporting, hanging, or storing the carcass or flesh in a manner that renders it unfit for human consumption; or, to abandon or dispose of, in the field or water, the carcass or flesh of any game fish suitable for food; or, to use the carcass or flesh of any game fish as bait except as authorized in the bait regulations.

Dam Closures And Use Restrictions

In the interest of public health and safety, certain areas above and below most dams are closed to the public. These restrictions include areas where no public access is allowed below the ordinary high-water mark. The restricted areas are identified and delineated by signs and/or boatrestraining systems.

The following dams are closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, fishing, or other recreational activity as marked by boat restrainingsystems or as posted to restrict access. Other dams not listed here may also be posted for restricted access. For more information, call FWP at 406-444-2449, or contact the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) 406-293-7751, x255, AVISTA 1-800-227-9187, Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) 406-387-5241, CSKT 406-883-2888, NorthWestern Energy (NWE) 888-467-2669 or PacificCorp Energy 503-813-6666.