Bill > HB559

This bill addresses river usage in Montana by establishing commercial fishing, guiding, and outfitting-free days on specific river stretches during the summer months. The bill requires the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to identify and designate segments of eight major rivers where commercial activities like fishing guides and outfitters will be prohibited for two days each week between the third Saturday of May and Labor Day. These rivers include the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Big Blackfoot, Madison, upper Yellowstone, North Fork of the Flathead, and Middle Fork of the Flathead Rivers. The department must ensure that one of the two restricted days is always a Saturday and that the selected river stretches provide a typical day's recreational experience. The bill mandates a public input process for identifying these stretches and requires the department to complete recommendations by October 1, 2027, with the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission having six months to adopt, modify, or reject these recommendations. The underlying motivation for the bill is to address concerns about overcrowding and diminished recreational experiences on Montana's rivers, drawing inspiration from successful local agreements on rivers like the Beaverhead and Big Hole. The department is required to adopt implementing rules by May 15, 2026, with the goal of improving river use experiences for both commercial and non-commercial users.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2406