GREAT FALLS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking input on a proposal to introduce burbot in Martinsdale Reservoir. The goal of the introduction would be to provide future additional angling opportunities at the reservoir.

FWP has stocked the reservoir since 1940, primarily with rainbow trout. It is currently managed as a put-grow-and-take fishery for rainbow trout and brown trout. Burbot have not been stocked historically or documented in Martinsdale Reservoir. The proposal is to move burbot from a nearby source via a wild fish transfer.

The effort would look to move between 100-500 burbot into Martinsdale Reservoir. The transfer effort may begin as soon as 2021 and transfer efforts could reoccur as needed until an adequate number of burbot (100-500) are introduced to allow the opportunity for the species to become established in the reservoir.

To review the draft EA and to comment online, go to FWP’s website, fwp.mt.gov, under “News and Public Notices.” The draft EA will be open for public comment for a period of 30 days from Feb. 17 through March 19.

Comments can be submitted electronically via email to fwpr4publiccom@mt.gov or can be mailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks , Martinsdale Burbot Introduction Comments, 4600 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405