Increase the daily bag limit for brook trout at Elk Creek, Elk Creek Reservoir, and their tributaries from 6 to 25.
Rationale
Restrictive bag limits for brook trout in the Elk Creek drainage were implemented in the 1990s to increase average brook trout size. The reduced bag limits represent two of only three exceptions for brook trout in the state which are usually managed with a daily bag limit of 25.
Recent surveys indicated that brook trout harvest was low and harvest had little effect on abundance or size of brook trout in Elk Creek, Elk Creek Reservoir, and tributaries. Removal of restrictive brook trout bag limits would simplify regulations and be more consistent with Brook Trout regulations throughout the state without influencing the fishery.
Review the proposal below and submit by June 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. MDT.
After reviewing feedback and considering agency goals, season recommendations will be presented to the Commission for their consideration at the July 2024 meeting.
Proposal
Increase the daily bag limit for brook trout at Elk Creek, Elk Creek Reservoir, and their tributaries from 6 to 25.
Rationale
Restrictive bag limits for brook trout in the Elk Creek drainage were implemented in the 1990s to increase average brook trout size. The reduced bag limits represent two of only three exceptions for brook trout in the state which are usually managed with a daily bag limit of 25.
Recent surveys indicated that brook trout harvest was low and harvest had little effect on abundance or size of brook trout in Elk Creek, Elk Creek Reservoir, and tributaries. Removal of restrictive brook trout bag limits would simplify regulations and be more consistent with Brook Trout regulations throughout the state without influencing the fishery.
Review the proposal below and submit by June 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. MDT.
After reviewing feedback and considering agency goals, season recommendations will be presented to the Commission for their consideration at the July 2024 meeting.