Caldwell Gravel Ponds, largemouth bass size and bag limits
Proposal
Reduce the daily bag limit for bass from 6 to 2 per day and increase the minimum length limit for these newly renovated ponds.
Rationale
Caldwell Gravel Pond(s) was recently deepened and reshaped by an excavation company, during which the ponds were mostly dewatered causing loss of fish populations. As the project nears completion, the department will re-establish largemouth bass and bluegill populations.
Based on angler desire for more quality- or trophy-bass fishing opportunity, combined with relatively high bass harvest in nearby ponds, restricting bass harvest and length limits are expected to diversify and improve fishing opportunity with the intention of providing a community pond with more quality bass sizes.
The two options being considered are below: Option A Bass limit is 2, none under 16 inches Option B Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
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
Reduce the daily bag limit for bass from 6 to 2 per day and increase the minimum length limit for these newly renovated ponds.
Rationale
Caldwell Gravel Pond(s) was recently deepened and reshaped by an excavation company, during which the ponds were mostly dewatered causing loss of fish populations. As the project nears completion, the department will re-establish largemouth bass and bluegill populations.
Based on angler desire for more quality- or trophy-bass fishing opportunity, combined with relatively high bass harvest in nearby ponds, restricting bass harvest and length limits are expected to diversify and improve fishing opportunity with the intention of providing a community pond with more quality bass sizes.
The two options being considered are below:
Option A Bass limit is 2, none under 16 inches
Option B Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
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.