ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES
A significant uproar occurred last year regarding declining trout populations in the renowned Big Hole River since 2011.
In May 2023, over 30 fishing outfitters and guides in Montana urged Gov. Greg Gianforte to take action to understand the reasons behind the declining trout populations in the river.
After more than two months, Gianforte organized a roundtable discussion in Wise River with fishing guides, irrigators, agricultural producers, and biologists.
Gianforte recently returned to Wise River to get an update from fisheries biologist Jim Olsen about the state of the Big Hole River trout population.
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Recent electrofishing sampling by Olsen’s team showed an increase in juvenile fish, indicating improved recruitment of young fish.
However, the numbers of brown and rainbow trout in the river were still below long-term averages in all sampled sections.
Olsen attributed the increase in juvenile trout to good water levels in 2023, leading to a positive trend.
Despite the improvements, there are concerns about pollution levels and water quality impacting the health of trout populations in the Big Hole River.
The Big Hole River Foundation is working to collect water quality data and address underlying issues affecting the river’s ecosystem.
Fishing conditions have been generally good, with healthy trout populations reported by anglers and outfitters.
