A proposed amendment for an item on the Nov. 12 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting agenda is available for public review and comment online. The commission will meet at Montana WILD and virtually on Nov. 12 at 8:30 a.m.

The amendment, proposed by Commission Vice-Chairman Pat Tabor, from Region 1, would change the following fishing regulations with respect to spearfishing in the Western District:

From Page 23 of the 2024 Extant Fishing Regulations Spearing:

All waters are closed to spearing of game and nongame fish except open for spearing northern pike through the ice, and by persons swimming or submerged in waters open to fishing, or as otherwise noted under District Exceptions.

From Page 25 of the 2024 Extant Fishing Regulations:

Northern pike: 15 daily and in possession. All waters open for spearing through the ice, and by persons swimming or submerged in waters open to fishing, or as otherwise noted in District Exceptions.

According to Commissioner Tabor’s explanation, the proposed amendment would enhance sportsmen opportunity and increase efforts to control an otherwise known predator fish.

To see the proposed amendment, click here. Other commission amendments may be announced prior to the Nov. 12 meeting. To see the topics the commission will consider, click here.

Comments on commission amendments can be emailed to the commission at this address: FWComm@mt.gov. Comments on this amendment will be accepted through Oct. 31. Comments will also be taken virtually during the meeting from those who register; a link to register for public comment will be posted on the commission webpage commission webpage before Nov. 12.