Montana’s Fort Peck Reservoir is more than just a body of water—it’s a cornerstone of outdoor recreation and ecological diversity in the region. As the state’s largest reservoir, spanning 240,000 surface acres with over 1,500 miles of shoreline, Fort Peck has long been a prime destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts. To ensure its continued vitality, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) recently unveiled the Fort Peck Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan (FPFMP) for 2024-2033. This comprehensive roadmap outlines strategies to sustain and enhance the reservoir’s multi-species fishery.
A Decade-Long Vision for Fisheries Management
The FPFMP serves as a guide for fisheries management over the next ten years. With annual monitoring, FWP aims to evaluate population trends, ensure species health, and maintain recreational opportunities for anglers. Developed with input from public surveys and Citizen Advisory Committees, the plan reflects the community’s priorities while addressing emerging challenges like fluctuating water levels and aquatic invasive species.
Key Goals and Strategies
The plan emphasizes the walleye fishery—a staple for Fort Peck—while promoting a balanced multi-species approach that includes northern pike, smallmouth bass, chinook salmon, and lake trout. Key goals include:
- Walleye: Maintain a 3-year average catch rate of 3.6 walleye per net during summer surveys and stock 3 million fingerlings annually.
- Lake Trout: Monitor natural reproduction and ensure a sustainable population with catch rates of 2.5 fish per net.
- Chinook Salmon: Continue stocking at least 200,000 fingerlings annually to support Montana’s only landlocked chinook salmon fishery.
- Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike: Enhance habitat and assess stocking needs if populations decline below target levels.
Challenges and Conservation Efforts
Fort Peck faces several environmental challenges, including fluctuating reservoir levels and the threat of invasive species. The plan outlines adaptive strategies to mitigate these risks:
- Reservoir Management: Collaborate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stabilize water levels, particularly during key spawning seasons.
- Habitat Restoration: Promote shoreline vegetation growth and maintain critical spawning habitats for species like walleye and lake trout.
- Aquatic Invasive Species: Implement preventative measures to combat threats such as zebra mussels, which pose significant ecological risks.
Public Engagement and Transparency
FWP’s commitment to transparency shines through in its emphasis on public involvement. Annual updates, open houses, and Citizen Advisory Committee meetings will provide opportunities for anglers and stakeholders to contribute feedback and stay informed.
Why This Matters
Fort Peck Reservoir isn’t just a recreational hotspot; it’s a vital economic driver. The fishery generated an estimated $49.7 million in expenditures in 2020 alone, underscoring its importance to local communities and Montana’s outdoor economy. By addressing both ecological and recreational needs, the FPFMP ensures that Fort Peck remains a premier destination for generations to come.
For more details on the Fort Peck Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website. Join the effort to sustain one of Montana’s most cherished natural resources!
