Help Montana’s Trout Study and Reel in Cash Rewards

Montana has some of the most iconic trout fishing in the country and anglers from around the world come here to enjoy her waters.  

But there’s bad news—brown and rainbow trout populations have been steadily declining, hitting record lows in certain rivers. Many guides on the Big Horn and other major fisheries have reported trout with disturbing signs of disease, including lesions and abnormal growths.

Get our free mobile app

Whether the cause is disease, water pollution, or a combination of factors, one thing is clear—Montana’s trout are in trouble, and so is the future of its world-class fishing.

What is being done about declining trout populations?

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) has partnered with Montana State University to study fish mortality, movement, and overall health of its fisheries.

As part of this effort, researchers are tagging wild trout to track their movements over the next three years in the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby, and Madison Rivers.

What Should You Do if You Catch a Tagged Trout?

Landing a tagged trout not only means you had a great day on the water—it could also mean cash and prizes!

Anglers can report their catches from the rivers above by clicking HERE or by calling 406-994-2384.

"Each tag has a unique number and will be attached to the fish near the dorsal fin. Anglers should use clippers to remove the tag from the fish as close to the skin as possible while minimizing handling time and exposure to air, then submit a report for each tagged fish they catch." - MFWP

Blue Tag

Report a blue-tagged trout, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for gear and fishing trips.

Yellow Tag

Report a yellow-tagged trout, and you’ll receive a $100 cash reward.

So keep an eye out for tagged fish—you just might reel in more than a great catch!

By submitting these reports of tagged fish, you will help gather information to solve the mystery of declining trout populations. If you would like more information about the various efforts being made to address this issue, you can read about it HERE.

Credit: fwp.mt , pbs.org