LC 2406 Legislature · 2025 Regular Session

Revise river usage laws related to commercial fishing, outfitting, and guiding

This bill directs Montana's Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to create specific days each summer when commercial fishing, guiding, and outfitting are prohibited on designated stretches of eight major rivers. The affected rivers include the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Big Blackfoot, Madison, Yellowstone, and Flathead, with rules requiring at least one commercial-free day per week to include Saturday. The department must establish the exact river segments and specific free days by May 15, 2026, ensuring each zone is long enough for a typical recreational float. This measure aims to reduce overcrowding on popular Montana rivers while maintaining opportunities for commercial operators on other days.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 8, 2024 Last action Feb 17, 2025
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