HELENA – Next week, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Fisheries Chief Adam Strainer along with staff will host a virtual townhall to preview FWP’s top fishery concerns for river basins across the state.

FWP invites the public and media to join us Wednesday, June 12, from noon to 1 p.m. for a presentation by our fisheries staff followed by a Q&A.

The presentation will be led by FWP’s regional biologists who will go over their top concerns headed into summer. Montanans and many nonresidents who recreate in this state are well aware that drought conditions can lead to restrictions and closures on Montana’s waterways. This virtual townhall will give you a preview of what you can expect from FWP and offer context to any necessary actions taken to protect our fisheries.

Low stream flow conditions and related high temperatures clearly affect fish habitat and fish health. Under severe conditions, FWP may restrict fishing when necessary to protect a species or population. Low water and high temperatures cause fish to seek deep pools, making them more vulnerable to predators, anglers and disease. Additionally, high water temperatures reduce oxygen levels, which can result in angling mortalities with cold water species, like trout.

FWP is committed to protecting Montana’s precious natural resources and offering transparency to our decision-making processes.

Join us over lunch and ask our experts a lot of questions.

Members of the press who wish to attend the townhall please RSVP to Garrett Turner at garrett.turner@mt.gov