|
News:
Public comment sought for Montana fishing derbies (posted 1/13/19)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting public comment until January 25th on proposed 2019 open water fishing contests. Comments must be received on or before Friday, January 25th Comments can be mailed to FWP Fisheries Division, Attn: Fishing Contests, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701 or emailed to fwpfsh@mt.gov. Applications for fishing contests may be approved or denied by the FWP Fisheries Division in Helena.
Region 1 proposed derbies:
Contest Name, Dates & Hours, Waterbody, Species of Fish, Contest Sponsor, Contact Person, Telephone
Big Sky Bass Bash, April 27-28, 2019
7am-3pm daily
Echo, Abbot, & Peterson Lakes
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
Treasure State Angler Circuit
Chancy Jeschke, 406-210-8853
Big Sky Bass Bash, May 11-12, 2019
7am-3pm daily
Flathead River, Lake, Sloughs
Largemouth Bass
Treasure State Angler Circuit
Chancy Jeschke, 406-210-8853
Big Sky Bass Bash, Sept 28, 2019
7:30-3pm
Echo, Abbot, & Peterson Lakes
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
Treasure State Angler Circuit
Chancy Jeschke, 406-210-8853
Bull Lake Pike and Bass Tournament, Sept 21, 2019
7am-8pm
Bull Lake
Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass
Halfway House Bar & Grill
Jason Williams, 406-295-4358
Bull Lake Pike Strike, June 22, 2019
6am-8pm
Bull Lake
Northern Pike
Halfway House Bar & Grill
Jason Williams, 406-295-4358
Cabinet Gorge Pike Tournament, July 20, 2019
11am-8pm
Cabinet Gorge Reservoir
Northern Pike
North Idaho Pike Association
Brock Morrow, 208-661-6303
Fall Closer Bass Tournament, Sept 9, 2019
Cabinet Gorge Reservoir
Northern Pike Clark Fork Bass Anglers
Ron Wood, 406-291-0576
Fall Mack Days, Sept 20- Nov 10, 2019
12:01am on 9/20 to 3pm on 11/10
Flathead Lake
Lake Trout
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Cindy Benson, 406-675-2700 ext.7294
Koocanusa Resort & Marina Trout and Salmon Derby, May 18-19, 2019
6am on 5/18 to 2pm on 5/19
Lake Koocanusa
Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon
Koocanusa Resort & Marina LLC
Randy Burch, 406-293-7474
MT BASS Nation State Championship, Aug 23-25, 2019
6am-4pm
Noxon Rapids Reservoir
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
Montana Bass Nation
Mike Dominick, 406-493-9559
MT BASS Nation Team Open, April 27-28, 2019
6am-4pm daily
Noxon Rapids Reservoir
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
Montana Bass Nation
Mike Dominick, 406-493-9559
MT TBF Buddy Series Qualifier, June 8-9, 2019
6:00am-3pm
Noxon Rapids Reservoir
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
MT TBF
Don Collins, 406-261-3924
MT TBF Buddy Series Qualifier, April 28, 2019
7am-3 pm
Echo, Abbot and Petersen Lakes
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
MT TBF
Don Collins, 406-261-3924
MT TBF Buddy Series Qualifier, Sept 10-11, 2019
7am-3pm, 7am3pm respectively
Thompson Chain of Lakes- Middle & Lower
Largemouth Bass
MT TBF
Don Collins, 406-261-3924
MT TBF Semi-Final, Sept 7-8, 2019
6:30am-3pm daily
Noxon Rapids Reservoir
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
MT TBF
Don Collins, 406-261-3924
MT TBF State Team Qualifier, May 18-19, 2019
6am-3pm, 6am3pm daily
Noxon Rapids Reservoir
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
MT TBF
Don Collins, 406-261-3924
Noxon Rapids Northern Pike, Sept 21-22, 2019
7am-4pm, 7am-2pm respectively
Noxon Rapids Reservoir
Northern Pike
North Idaho Pike Association
Brock Morrow, 208-661-6303
Spring Mack Days, Mar 15 - May 12, 2019
12:01am on 3/15 to 3pm on 5/12
Flathead Lake
Lake Trout
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Cindy Benson, 406-675-2700 ext.7294
Thompson Chain of Lakes Fathers’ Day Family Derby, June 16, 2019
Lower, Middle, Upper Thompson Lakes, Crystal, Loon, Leon, Horseshoe, Cibid, and Cad Lakes
Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Salmon, Rainbow
Treasure State Angler Circuit
Chancy Jeschke, 406-210-8853
Tri-State Bass Tournament, July 27-28, 2019
6am-3pm, 6am3pm respectively
Noxon Rapids Reservoir
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
Clark Fork Bass Anglers
Ron Wood, 406-291-0576
Tri-State Buddy Tournament/TBF Buddy Series, July 27-28, 2019
6am-3pm
Noxon Rapids Reservoir
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
Clark Fork Bass Anglers/MT TBF
Don Collins, 406-261-3924
Wild West Panfish Trail, Sept 7, 2019
7am-2pm
Thompson Chain of Lakes- Middle & Lower
Yellow Perch, Sunfish
Treasure State Angler Circuit
Chancy Jeschke, 406-210-8853
Wild West Panfish Trail, June 1, 2019
7am-2pm
Flathead River & Sloughs
Crappie, Sunfish, Yellow Perch
Treasure State Angler Circuit
Chancy Jeschke, 406-210-8853
Wild West Panfish Trail, Oct 5, 2019
8am-2pm
Lake Mary Ronan
Yellow Perch, Sunfish
Treasure State Angler Circuit
Chancy Jeschke, 406-210-8853
Related Links:
http://fwp.mt.gov Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Events in Eureka (posted 1/3/19)
Mark your calendar for upcoming events and concerts in Eureka as part of the Sunburst 20th annual performing arts series. Tickets available by contacting Sunburst at (406) 297-0197 or mtsunburst@yahoo.com.
Friday, January 4, 2019: Harpdog Brown & Band
7:00PM in the Lincoln County High School Auditorium
Canada's 3X harmonica player of the year and Canada's favorite classic blues band. Harpdog Brown Band delivers music in the traditional sound of early electric blues. Think of the old Chess Records and Sun Records of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Harpdog says, "Blues has a healing power. It's a beautiful celebration of our perfectly flawed lives. We help people forget about their issues of the moment and then they realize that we all have our issues, and that's ok."
Saturday, January 19: 4th Annual Robbie Burns Scottish Dinner
6:00PM at Four Corners Restaurant
Featuring Bagpipers from Great Scots Pipes and Drums of Polson. Haggis Presenter and Piper John Boren from Canada. Master of Ceremonies Mike Burris. Tickets are $35/person and include a 5-course dinner, a beverage for toasting, entertainment galore, and the Haggis Ceremony. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call Sunburst at 406-297-0197 or e-mail mtsunburst@yahoo.com.
Friday, January 25, 2019: Chinook Winds
7:00PM, Lincoln County High School Auditorium
Chinook Winds is the resident professional chamber ensemble within the Great Falls Symphony. Their fabulous music, energetic interpretations and amazing talent wow audiences across the US and beyond. The ensemble brings audiences everything from classical music to modern sounds. Not to be missed!
Friday, February 15, 2019: Men of Worth
7:00PM, Lincoln County High School Auditorium
Men of Worth blend their voices with harmony and support their collection of songs with a varied selection of instruments. They have a simple approach to their presentation and, in keeping with Irish/Scottish traditions, remain true to the music and story. Their show is a unique combination of humor, exciting tunes, and soulful, heartfelt ballads. This concert will feature Men of Worth joined by local musicians.
Get tickets by contacting Sunburst at (406) 297-0197 or e-mail mtsunburst@yahoo.com.
Public meetings to review deer hunting regulations in NW Montana (posted 1/3/19)
FWP seeking public input about potential management strategies
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is hosting four public meetings to discuss deer populations and potential future management strategies for hunting seasons in northwest Montana. FWP Region 1 staff are hoping to engage the public in an open discussion about the future direction for deer hunting after back-to-back harsh winters impacted fawn recruitment and a low hunter harvest this fall.
The meetings are not formal public hearings and will feature informational presentations on historical and current white-tailed and mule deer populations followed by discussion.
"We are hoping to engage the public and talk about the current state of deer herds across northwest Montana," said Neil Anderson, FWP Region 1 wildlife manager.
"We have heard some concerns from sportsmen about deer populations. These meetings will help FWP collaborate with the public and better understand their needs and expectations."
The first meeting will be held Jan. 9, 2018 at the FWP Region 1 headquarters in Kalispell, 490 N. Meridian. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. and will be in conjunction with a regular meeting of Flathead Wildlife, Inc., a local sportsmens group.
Additional meetings will be held in Trout Creek, Libby and Eureka.
Deer populations have historically followed up and down cycles depending on several factors, including the severity of winter. Management actions have traditionally attempted to respond to these cyclical changes and sportsmen’s concerns.
For more information, contact FWP Region 1 Information and Education Program Manager Dillon Tabish at (406) 751-4564.
On Dec. 13, 2018, technicians added five new channels for the Libby Video Club. Pictured are (L) Randy Lindsey Head End Manager for MontanaSky and (R) Tony Austin, Chief Engineer for KTMF-Missoula. Photo courtesy Libby Video Club.
|
Libby Video Club adds 5 more TV channels (posted 12/18/18)
Users should rescan all locally broadcasted TV sets
On December 13, 2018, the Libby Video Club added 5 new channels to their broadcasting network. They advise users they may need to re-scan their TVs in order to receive the new channels.
The five new channels are:
14.1 Heartland – Country programs
15.1 MtSky message board – Music and local events scrolling
23.1 KTMF-ABC - Montana
23.2 KTMF-Fox - Montana
23.3 KTMF-SWX – Weather and local sports (including Griz & Bobcat games)
These additional five channels bring their total broadcasting networks available through the Libby Video Club to 25 channels.
"We want to take the time to thank all of our current supporters and new supporters for your generosity which is keeping us on your air. Libby Video Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and as we upgrade your broadcasting, your donations are vital. Donations can be mailed to Libby Video Club, PO Box 977, Libby MT., 59923 or can be dropped off at 1st Montana Bank, Glacier Bank or Lincoln County Credit Union. If you have any questions please email us at LibbyVideoClub@outlook.com," said Jim Nelson, President of the Libby Video Club. For more information call 406-293-1393.
FWP seeks public comment on three fisheries projects (posted 12/18/18)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on three fisheries items: the Statewide Fisheries Management Program and Guide, the Madison River and Varney Bridge Fishing Access Site temporary closure rule and Fishing Access Site/Wildlife Management Area Rule.
Statewide Fisheries Management Program and Guide
The Statewide Fisheries Management and Guide provides a framework for how programs within the fisheries division function and outlines how fisheries are managed across Montana.
The guide contains two parts: The first summarizes specific programs within the division and how those programs support fisheries activities; the second is organized by drainage and provides an overview of fisheries priorities and challenges within each drainage and outlines priorities for primary waterbodies within drainages. The guide is intended to inform fishing-regulation-setting during the four-year review and to serve as a reference to the angling and recreational public.
"This guide is a resource for anglers and others who want to know about how FWP programs help to ensure a great experience on Montana’s waters," said FWP fisheries division administrator Eileen Ryce. "It will also outline what our challenges are to maintain and enhance those experience for the future."
This document was previously known as the Statewide Fisheries Management Plan and was developed in 2013. The name was changed because the plan was not prescriptive in nature and doesn’t replace waterbody-specific management plans. The current guide will be in place from 2019-2027.
The Madison River and Varney Bridge FAS Temporary Closure Rule
The Montana Department of Transportation is replacing the Varney Bridge over the Madison River on Secondary 249, with work proposed to begin April 2019. MDT will require the contractor to provide safe public float passage between in-stream construction related obstructions and hazards. MDT officials have said they anticipate times when construction activities will create unsafe conditions for the public and will necessitate temporary closure the river and FAS.
Closures will be considered in the interest of public safety and if there are no other reasonable alternatives available. FWP and other regulatory and recreational interests will be informed of any closures at least 48 hours before the closure. The maximum time allowed for each instance of work requiring a temporary river closure is 48 hours.
FAS/WMA Commercial Fee Rule
This biennial rule sets the fee schedule for commercial use on Fishing Access Sites and Wildlife Management Areas. Typical uses covered by this rule include fishing guides and outfitters, other water-based service providers, watercraft livery, concessions and photography. The proposed fee rule proposes no increases in any fees over those currently in effect.
Public comment will be accepted on all three items until 5 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2019. Comments can be submitted online at http://fwp.mt.gov, choose News then Recent Public Notices or mail to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; Attn: Fisheries Division; P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59620.
Stock photo courtesy Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
|
Rare Caribou sightings reported in Northwest Montana (posted 11/5/18)
Montana FWP working with wildlife biologists in British Columbia
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional staff have received reports of a rare sight in northwest Montana.
Residents have recently documented sightings of woodland caribou near the U.S.-Canada border. The multiple sightings include the potential for a bull and a cow in separate locations.
Caribou, members of the deer family, are native to northwest Montana but have almost completely disappeared from the contiguous United States over the last half century.
Woodland caribou herds once stretched from central British Columbia to Idaho, Montana and Washington. The decline in population is largely attributed to high mortality linked to habitat fragmentation, alteration, loss of old growth forest, and subsequent predation impacts. Woodland caribou are now protected in the United States and British Columbia.
Caribou have been known to roam from the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges in southern B.C into Montana, Idaho and Washington but the occurrences have become increasingly rare.
Caribou are similar in size to mule deer but have different coloration, large round hooves and unique antlers. Even cow caribou can have visible small antlers.
"There are three weeks left of big-game hunting season in Montana. Hunters are reminded to be sure of their target and beyond," said Neil Anderson, FWP Region 1 wildlife manager.
After confirming reports of the recent sightings, Montana FWP contacted wildlife biologists in British Columbia and informed them of the sightings. FWP will continue to work closely with partners in British Columbia on the conservation of the species.
Charming Libby, Montana
|
Libby, Most Charming Small Town in Montana (posted 8/14/18)
According to Reader's Digest
Reader’s Digest posted a story under the Travel section of their website on "The Most Charming Small Town in Every State." Libby was selected as the Most Charming Small Town for Montana. "You’ll find the heart of America in these small-town gems lost in time. Add them to your must-visit list now," said author Lyn Mettler.
"Set in view of the Cabinet Mountain Range and yet another part of Montana’s fantastic outdoors, Libby, which is located on the northwest side of the state, Libby is surrounded by lakes, fishing, hiking trails, camping, and endless scenic drives. For a local’s experience, get a taste of Montana on tap at Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company and enjoy a meal at The Black Board Bistro with a locally-sourced seasonal menu."
Click on this link for their complete list of Most Charming Towns:
https://www.rd.com/advice/travel/most-charming-small-towns-in-every-state/
Libby
lies in the northwest corner of Montana and is nestled in a valley carved by the
Kootenai River on the flank of the majestic Cabinet Mountain Range and Wilderness
Area. Today
about 2,800 people live within Libby proper. The main industries are lumber and
wood products, mining, tourism and recreation. The movies "The River Wild" and
"Always" were filmed here. Contact the Libby
Chamber of Commerce for brochures, info on lodging and events, general area
information, and contact information for local businesses and services.
SUMMER
When the weather warms and the mountain
snows melt away, the Kootenai National Forest comes alive with over 2.2
million acres of public land as a playground. Mountain trails and lakes
open up, beautiful wildflowers come in bloom, and wildlife have their young.
Libby is the basecamp for the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Area, 90-mile
long Lake Koocanusa, the Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, and the Ten Lakes
Scenic Area. There is good access to most of the Forest and plenty of room
to get away from it all!
WINTER
Winter in Montana means snow, and lots
of it! For those who love to play in the deep powder, the Libby area offers tremendous
winter fun. Turner Mountain Ski Area, located
just 22 miles from Libby, offers challenging downhill skiing with a beautiful
view. Their slogan is "steep, deep and cheap", and Turner definitely
lives up to that. It's still fairly undiscovered, so you can escape the crowds
and get the cheapest lift tickets around. For those who love snowmobiling,
there are hundreds of miles of backcountry roads to sled on in the Kootenai National
Forest. Cross-country skiers and ice fishermen also can find solitude on a lake
and miles of quiet forest trails to enjoy the outdoors. Those who are a bit on
the wild and crazy side will love the antics of the Libby Polar Bear Club.
Members take winter-time "swims" in frigid Libby Creek every Sunday
from October to April. Plungers have ranged in age from 3 to 61. As long as the
ice can be broken on the creek, if it has formed, the group will take their plunge,
no matter the temperature.
These people must be
craaaazzzzzy!
Libby
Polar Bear Club
|
