Anglers are reminded to keep small walleye caught at Canyon Ferry

HELENA, Mont. – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) and Walleyes Unlimited of Montana asked walleye anglers to keep more of the smaller fish they catch on Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

On Canyon Ferry, anglers are allowed to catch 10 fish daily, with one fish over 15 inches.  The possession limit is doubled the daily limit.

Limits and regulations can be found by visiting the FWP site. 

Larger fish are expected to have more opportunity to grow with less competition for food with few smaller fish in the reservoir.

The 2020-2029 Upper Missouri River Reservoir Fisheries Management plan will be used by FWP to meet walleye management and liberal fishing regulations to meet population goals. The goals are to maintain populations and reduce impacts to other species. 

This management strategy focused on regulating the population of smaller fish to better benefit the overall population size structure. 

During a Canyon Ferry Reservoir rainbow trout fall netting in 1989, the first walleye was captured. Walleye have since then become a popular catch in the reservoir.

Populations of walleye in Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs are self-sustaining, and require active management for a balanced fishery. 

“By focusing harvest on more abundant, smaller fish, biologists hope to increase the number of large walleye in Canyon Ferry,” said FWP Fish Chief Adam Strainer. “FWP and Walleyes Unlimited have a shared goal of maintaining a healthy walleye fishery for anglers to enjoy now and into the future.”