Is the Missouri River Being Loved to Death?
By Tom Chandler on Dec 6, 2006 in News
Is the Missouri River overfished? Are anglers in danger of loving it to death?
That’s part of conclusion reached in this article in the Great Falls Tribune (pointed out by the eagle-eyed Sully - the Underground’s Director of Quality Rivers Overrun by Anglers).
Fishing on the Missouri below Holter Dam was not what it has been, and while sources cited various causes (including siltation, hot weather, etc), there was clearly an undercurrent of resentment due to the number of anglers fishing the river.
“I have a drift boat so I have good access,” said Dennis Hanson of Great Falls. “But … it starts to be like a parade of drift boats going down the river.”
Crowding was cited by officials as the reason for the Missouri’s relatively low satisfaction rating (a 3 of 5) in a survey of anglers.
Nonresidents now account for about a third of the total users on an annual basis.
Excellent story, and includes a lot of interesting survey data. Sad to see a river whipped to a froth.
Technorati Tags: missouri river, fly fishing, holter dam, montana
billc | Dec 7, 2006 | Reply
Tom,
I remember those mid to late 90’s before word really got out and the fishing was really special. Still like the river very much….just have to plan to go on the front and back of the season. Interested if other rivers were mentioned in the angler survey you described.
thanx
bill
Tom Chandler | Dec 7, 2006 | Reply
Bill;
Trying a new blog editor; it stripped the link from the post. I added it back into the post (look for the orange bolded type).
billc | Dec 7, 2006 | Reply
Got it Tom…….thanks
bc