Bill to create Commercial-Free Days on popular rivers

[longbow51]

Let's try to be more positive and supportive of a bill which I believe is wanted by the preponderance of Montana public river fishing enthusiasts, as well as by NR's who visit to DIY fish.

Are you a Monana voter, longbow51? 'Can't tell from where perspective is offered.

Of course I am; I was on a previous governor's task force to reduce crowding on Montana rivers. The issues I discuss are real. When the Beaverhead initiated limited guide days, guide traffic simply moved to other rivers.

So, amend it to do what we all want; leave some days for Montanans, and, OK, NR DIYs, although there are problems with that. He's your guide one day, and your "friend" the next, who just happens to be rowing your boat.

I didn't think offering ideas for improvements on the bill was negative, but this is a tough group lately.

 

[BuzzH]

Of course I am; I was on a previous governor's task force to reduce crowding on Montana rivers. The issues I discuss are real. When the Beaverhead initiated limited guide days, guide traffic simply moved to other rivers.

So, amend it to do what we all want; leave some days for Montanans, and, OK, NR DIYs, although there are problems with that. He's your guide one day, and your "friend" the next, who just happens to be rowing your boat.

I didn't think offering ideas for improvements on the bill was negative, but this is a tough group lately.

I agree with longbow51, the river guides will just game the system.

Best way is to limit the number of guided trips EVERY day and then enforce it with steep fines and loss of guiding licenses if they are out of compliance.

 

[Straight Arrow]

Of course I am

How would I know? Upper right hand corner of your post is a location spot to tout your home state.
Aside: Some have criticized the query of location, but IMO it's important in recognizing relative geographical source of information, opinon, and/or outdoors story. It's also refreshing to recognize the vast array of places represented on HT.

Thank-you for your response.

 

[ismith]

This is a fantastic bill and way overdue in my opinion. I'm sure we will hear the screams of outrage coming from over the hill in Ennis.

Good

 

[Elktrack]

A boat every 50-100 yds on Madison during peak season. Fish getting pounded. Alot of Idaho guides with clients too, I think.

It’s amazing to watch. Every boat fishes the exact same lines. They hit the same holes. I’ve sat and watched from up above the river for a couple of hours and could see at least 13 boats at all times spaced out about 100 yards apart. They all took the same lines every time. I didn’t see a single fish caught. I bet those Madison fish have seen every presentation known to man within a week of fishing.
Those guides were sure looking at me funny with my orange vest and rifle laying in the drift boat.

 

[Hem]

It’s amazing to watch. Every boat fishes the exact same lines. They hit the same holes. I’ve sat and watched from up above the river for a couple of hours and could see at least 13 boats at all times spaced out about 100 yards apart. They all took the same lines every time. I didn’t see a single fish caught. I bet those Madison fish have seen every presentation known to man within a week of fishing.
Those guides were sure looking at me funny with my orange vest and rifle laying in the drift boat.

I get depressed with^^.
Pretty sad, thankful for the old days.

 

[RandanP]

This bill has been withdrawn.

 

[mtmuley]

If I am not mistaken, there are restrictions like this on a river near me in the Bitterroot. mtmuley

 

[Hem]

No surprise if the bill has been withdrawn.
Outfitters top dogs.

 

[longbow51]

Spent tons of time on this BITD (every one else was compensated except for me) and it was all for naught. MOGA prevailed. Money talks. Sad.