Fish, Wildlife & Parks seeks comment on ice fishing derbies

Montana Fish, Wildlife  & Parks is seeking comment on fishing contests proposed for the upcoming winter season.

Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits. Most contests require catch-and-release fishing and participants in these contests may not keep any fish.

Applications for contests may be approved, denied or approved with conditions.  Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts or require additional access site maintenance when needed.

Information on the proposed derbies can be obtained by contacting Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at 406-444-7319, or by email at jlwindon@mt.gov.  

Send comments by Sept. 12 to: FWP-Fisheries Division, Attn: Public Comment on Fishing Derbies, Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, or email them to: jlwindon@mt.gov.

Here is a list of the proposed 2014-2015 ice fishing derbies in northwestern Montana, Region 1:

Dec. 27 - Sunriser Lions Smith Lake Family Fishing Derby at Smith Lake

Jan. 10 - The Perch Assault at Smith Lake

Jan. 11 - Ice Duels Montana at Smith Lake

Jan. 24-25 - Fisher River Valley Winter Fishing Derby at Thompson Lakes

Feb. 1-28 - 12th Annual Perch Pounder at Region 1 Waters

Feb. 7-8 - The Lodge at McGregor Lake Annual Fishing Derby at McGregor Lake

Feb. 14 - 15th Annual Snappy Sport Senter at Lake Mary Ronan

Feb. 21 - Ryan Wagner Memorial Ice Fishing Derby at Murphy Lake

Feb. 21 - The Perch Assault at Middle Thompson Lake

Feb. 28 - Canyon Kids Christmas Fun Lion Lare Fishing Derby at Lion Lake

March 7 - The Perch Assault at Lake Mary Ronan

March 8 - Gol-Fishing Ice Tournament at Lake Mary Ronan

March 14-15 - 4th Annual Bitterroot Bash at Bitterroot Lake