Anglers and recreational floaters should avoid construction areas
ENNIS – Conservation partners are excited to announce two projects beginning in September to improve habitat conditions for trout in the upper Madison River.
The Madison River is a world-class fishing destination drawing thousands of anglers annually, supporting local businesses and communities. In an effort to bolster trout populations, stream complexity, and long-term ecosystem resilience, two side channel restoration projects are being planned in the upper Madison.
The projects are about 11 miles apart on the Madison River—on BLM land near Morgan Gulch and on FWP’s Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area. These projects are part of a multi-year effort to restore flows and spawning conditions in several historic side channels, supporting trout abundances in various sections of the Madison River’s mainstem. A similar phase of this work was completed in 2015 on the lower Madison River downstream of Norris.
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These projects are illustrative of collaborative partnerships to support the Madison River fishery. These partners include NorthWestern Energy, the Madison River Foundation, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the Bureau of Land Management, and Geum Environmental Consulting.
“Fish are part of what makes the lower Madison River so extraordinary, and this project aims to strengthen that resource,” said Matt Jaeger, FWP’s hydropower, native species and Beaverhead-Ruby program manager. “We look forward to working together on solutions for the health of the river and the benefits it provides.”
“We are proud to support these habitat enhancement projects on the upper Madison River,” said Jon Hanson, NorthWestern Energy’s hydro compliance professional. “Working alongside our partners to restore side channels and improve spawning and rearing habitat for trout is an exciting opportunity and will help strengthen the river’s fishery while assisting NorthWestern Energy in fulfilling our responsibility to mitigate the effects of our hydropower operations.”
“It’s exciting to see years of planning and collaboration finally move into construction,” said Mia Cignoni, conservation programs manager for the Madison River Foundation. “Restoring these historic side channels is about giving the river back some of the habitat and natural processes that have been diminished over time. We’re fortunate to have such dedicated partners working toward a shared goal, and I’m looking forward to seeing the long-term benefits these projects provide for the Madison River and everyone who values it.”
Construction is scheduled to last from September through November. The work will not affect any major land or river fishing access points, but visitors should avoid construction areas.
Once the work is completed, anglers should avoid fishing in the restored side channels during brown and rainbow trout spawning seasons to minimize impacts to vulnerable trout and help ensure the intended benefits to the mainstem fishery are realized.
