By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – As the water level at Fresno Reservoir continues to drop due to the collapse of a drop structure on the St. Mary Canal and Conveyance Works System, impacts to fishing and recreation will become more noticeable.
Nate Molstad, Fresno Chapter President of Walleyes Unlimited, says if the reservoir drops to the projected 27 feet below full pool for an extended period of time, the fishery will be severely impacted.
“I think it’s fair that we expect the fishery to be hit pretty hard…I’m expecting to rebuild the fishery from the bottom up, I guess. Kind of rebuild this thing. When that takes place, I don’t know. That just depends on probably when we can get the reservoir to better water levels.”
Molstad says he is also concerned that Fresno’s ability to host fishing tournaments in the coming years could also be impacted.
“People want to come and catch fish. Fresno has been one that has been a fun tournament because a lot of people come, catch their limit of fish, and have a good time doing it. So if we have a situation where the fishery is going downhill, you question whether or not you can put on a fun tournament like that.”
At the projected pool level, it is expected that the only usable boat ramp will be the one nearest to Fresno Dam.
The current project on the St. Mary Canal and Conveyance Works System is expected to be completed in late September or October. Once it is complete, it will take at least 10 days for water to run back into Fresno, weather permitting.
