Montana reservoir’s fishing limits lifted prior to drainage

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Fishing restrictions have been lifted at a Montana reservoir so the maximum number of fish can be harvested before the area is drained.

The Great Falls Tribune reports the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission voted Thursday to lift restrictions at Willow Creek Reservoir in preparation for repairs to dam gates.

The vote follows negotiations between the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Greenfields Irrigation District.

The district operates the fishery and irrigation reservoir 64 miles (103 kilometres) west of Great Falls.

Officials say there was discussion of alternatives including minimizing the drawdown to maintain aquatic life and conduct dam repairs.

Officials say the only viable option remaining before the commission’s meeting was quickly draining the reservoir to its bottom, which will kill all remaining fish.

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Information from: Great Falls Tribune, http://www.greatfallstribune.com