HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – This year’s Montana paddlefish season kicked off this week with the opening of the Upper Missouri River section from Fort Benton downstream to Fort Peck Dam.
A press release says that anglers need to be aware that substantial flooding occurred around the Fred Robinson Bridge and in James Kipp Recreation Area this spring. As a result, camping will be considered “primitive” for most of the paddlefish season as crews clean up and fix damaged infrastructure. The access road and public boat ramp at the James Kipp Recreation Are is fully operational.
Access and camping areas on the north side of the river are reportedly in good shape.
For 2019, a total of 1,000 paddlefish harvest tags were available through a drawing for the Upper Missouri. Successful applicants may harvest a fish anytime during the season, from no through June 15th. Those anglers not successful in drawing a harvest tag were issued a “snag and release” license.
Additionally, anglers that did not participate in the tag drawing that want to participate in the snag and release fishery can still purchase a license online, at an FWP office or at any license provider.
