Allow for limited harvest of cutthroat trout in Upper Priest Lake by increasing the bag limit from 0 to 2, none under 16 inches, while continuing to prohibit harvest in tributaries.
Rationale
Like Priest Lake, harvest opportunity for cutthroat trout was eliminated from Upper Priest Lake in 1988. Recent monitoring, within the last decade, has indicated that this cutthroat trout population is abundant and stable.
General observations suggest angler effort is low. Modeled population response under the proposed regulation indicated that limited harvest opportunity would be sustainable.  This change is presented in Option A, and the current regulations are shown in Option B.
Option A: Trout limit 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 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 Upper Priest Lake by increasing the bag limit from 0 to 2, none under 16 inches, while continuing to prohibit harvest in tributaries.
Rationale
Like Priest Lake, harvest opportunity for cutthroat trout was eliminated from Upper Priest Lake in 1988. Recent monitoring, within the last decade, has indicated that this cutthroat trout population is abundant and stable.
General observations suggest angler effort is low. Modeled population response under the proposed regulation indicated that limited harvest opportunity 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.