HELENA – The Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet over Zoom at 6 p.m. on Aug. 2 to consider a proposal to postpone the implementation of a commercial use cap on the Madison River.

In 2020, the commission adopted rules regarding recreational use of the Madison River. These rules included a commercial use cap that would limit fishing outfitting and guiding for each outfitter and guide to the number of trips they reported in 2019 or 2020, whichever is higher.

The commercial use cap is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2023. However, commissioners have proposed moving that implementation date until after the commission adopts a method for allocating commercial-use trips to outfitters or a comprehensive river plan and rule package. This will be accomplished via future rule making efforts and commission action, all of which will involve ample public comment.

A commission-appointed work group developed recommendations for allocating commercial use trips and managing non-commercial use on the river. While commissioners did not take any action to implement these recommendations at their June meeting, they did instruct the department to gather public input on the recommendations. This public commenting process will occur later this summer and into the fall with the potential for informational work sessions including commissioners and work group members. Details will be posted on the FWP website when the meetings are scheduled and proposals released for public comment.

Comments on the proposal to delay the implementation of the commercial use cap are due by Aug. 5 and can be submitted online at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/august-2022-meeting, by email to madisonrivercom@mt.gov or presented at the Aug. 2 meeting. They can also be submitted in writing to:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Attn: Charlie Sperry
PO Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701

Instructions for joining the Aug. 2 Zoom meeting will be posted at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission prior to the meeting. For more information on the proposal, visit fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/august-2022-meeting.