By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The start of the summer fishing season on the Hi-Line has featured complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Fresno Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited says they are still in good shape financially
Chapter President Nate Molstad (mole-stad) says the cancellation of events including their June fishing tournament has limited their expenses.
“We’ve had tremendous community support over the years. Obviously expenses are done when you’re not putting on these events. Obviously we’ve got some costs no matter what, but it certainly limits some of our expenses not having to put these on. We do have cash in the bank, we’re going to be OK. We’re certainly looking for ways to give back to the community.”
One way they are looking at giving back includes providing local residents with fishing equipment.
“We’re always looking to get kids out fishing. We had a story the other day where a family had all of their fishing gear stolen, and they were looking to get their grand-kids out fishing. We made sure we got some fishing poles for them. That goes for really anybody in the community. If they need some fishing poles, we have them available. We’d be happy to get them to people.”
Molstad says that water levels at Fresno could be impacted in the coming months due to the collapse of Drop 5 of the St. Mary Canal and Conveyance Works System.
“Certainly the water situation is something to monitor. The reservoir is in great shape right now, but obviously with the news about the St. Mary Diversion, we’re probably going to have a low water year. We’ll see how that impacts the fishery. It really depends on the amount of moisture we get and how far the reservoir is drawn down. But currently it’s in great shape, but the fishing it has been a little challenging here lately.”
The collapse of Drop 5 could also potentially delay efforts to stock fish in Fresno Reservoir.
“With the news of the St. Mary’s failure, that may have an impact on it. Just monitoring what water levels are going to be. Right now, I think things are positive, but that can sure change based on rainfall and what-not. That may throw a wrench in it. We’re just going to have to keep an eye on things. Normally (Fish, Wildlife and Parks) does their stocking in June or July, so I think we’ll know here shortly what their plans are.”
Molstad says that he doesn’t foresee any major Walleye Unlimited events taking place until 2021, although smaller scale events could be held later this year.
