Allow for limited harvest of cutthroat trout in Priest Lake by increasing the bag limit from 0 to 2, none under 16 inches, while continuing to prohibit harvest in tributaries.
Rationale
Harvest opportunity for cutthroat trout was eliminated in Priest Lake in 1988 due to suspected population decreases, although little information was available at the time. Recent monitoring, within the last decade, has indicated that this Cutthroat Trout population is abundant and stable.
Currently, angler effort on Priest Lake is low (approximately 50,000 hours) and less than 10% of angler effort targets Cutthroat Trout. Modeled population response under the proposed regulation indicated that limited harvest of cutthroat trout would be sustainable. This change is presented in Option A, and the current regulations are shown in Option B.
Option A: Trout limit is 6, only two may be cutthroat trout, no cutthroat trout under 16 inches, no harvest of cutthroat trout in tributaries
Option B: Keep current regulation: Trout limit is 6, no harvest of cutthroat trout, no harvest of cutthroat trout in tributaries
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
Allow for limited harvest of cutthroat trout in Priest Lake by increasing the bag limit from 0 to 2, none under 16 inches, while continuing to prohibit harvest in tributaries.
Rationale
Harvest opportunity for cutthroat trout was eliminated in Priest Lake in 1988 due to suspected population decreases, although little information was available at the time. Recent monitoring, within the last decade, has indicated that this Cutthroat Trout population is abundant and stable.
Currently, angler effort on Priest Lake is low (approximately 50,000 hours) and less than 10% of angler effort targets Cutthroat Trout. Modeled population response under the proposed regulation indicated that limited harvest of cutthroat trout would be sustainable. This change is presented in Option A, and the current regulations are shown in Option B.
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.