Public Comment Sought on Fresno Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan

HAVRE– The process of developing the first Fresno Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan is nearing completion, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a draft plan developed by FWP and a 9-member Advisory Committee. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2021.

The new plan sets the direction for fisheries management on Fresno and establishes management targets for sportfish and forage species. In addition, the plan proposes to reestablish a walleye stocking program in an effort to improve catch rates.

The plan was written in concert with a 9-member citizens advisory committee that represented local walleye anglers, non-local walleye anglers, local government, local business, and general/youth angling. This group met four times over the course of four months working with FWP to develop the draft management plan.

This plan will be the first official management plan developed for the Fresno fishery. The plan will be completed in 2021 and will serve to guide fisheries management for a five-year period (2022-2026).

“The Advisory Committee brought a wide range of interests and values that are represented in this plan. FWP could not have developed this plan without their assistance,” said Steve Dalbey, FWP Region 6 fisheries program manager. “Comments received by the public will be addressed and incorporated into the plan,” added Dalbey.

Fresno Reservoir ranks as the 5th most popular fishing destination in northeast Montana and records more than 12,350 angler days annually. Fresno also generates approximately $1 million in angling-related revenue annually.

The draft plan is available for review on the Fresno Fisheries Management webpage at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/fisheries-programs/fresno-reservoir. Hardcopies of the plan are available at the Glasgow and Havre FWP offices. Questions can be directed to the Havre (406-265-6177) or Glasgow (406-228-3700) FWP offices.

Comments can be submitted by:

Attending the Open House in Havre on Aug. 16, from 6-9 p.m., at the Best Western Plus on the hill

Commenting via the [email protected] link on the Fresno Management web page

Emailing [email protected]

Mailing to:

Attn: Fresno Management Plan

MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

1 Airport Road, Glasgow, MT 59230