Changes to fishing regulations come into force on the Swan River

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved changes to fishing regulations on the Swan River at its April 17 meeting.

The commission approved a change to catch and release requirements on the Swan River to include rainbow trout. Previously, only solitary trout were caught.

Additionally, from the Piper Creek Bridge downstream to Swan Lake, anglers may only use single-point hooks. The use of treble hooks and double hooks is prohibited in this section.

Anglers can remove the treble hooks or double hooks from the bait and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks can be cut off from the remaining hook points to leave a single hook. You can still use baits with multiple hooks, but each treble hook should be replaced with a single hook.

In the Western District, fishing opens on most rivers and streams, unless otherwise permitted, on the third Saturday in May through November 30. This year, the opening will take place on May 18, when new regulations regarding the Swan River effect will come into force.

Anglers should refer to a complete list of body of water regulations in current fishing regulation booklets, which can be found at fwp.mt.gov and at any location where fishing licenses are sold.

The 2024 Fishing Regulations booklet has already been printed when the Commission approved the Swan River amendment, and signs have been placed at popular access points along the river to inform anglers of the recent changes.

More information can be found at https://fwp.mt.gov/fish/regulations.