MT HB559

Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks must designate 2 days per week (one must be Saturday) as commercial fishing, guiding, and outfitting-free on specified river stretches between the third Saturday of May and Labor Day

Eight rivers/river sections are covered: Bitterroot River, Clark Fork of Columbia (both east and west of Reserve Street bridge in Missoula), Big Blackfoot River, Madison River above Ennis Lake, upper Yellowstone River, North Fork of the Flathead River, and Middle Fork of the Flathead River

Department must adopt implementing rules by May 15, 2026, and identify commercial-free stretches for all listed rivers by October 1, 2027

Fish and Wildlife Commission must adopt, modify, or reject each river stretch recommendation within 6 months of receiving it from the department

Public notice, comment periods, collaborative processes, or public hearings are required as part of the identification process for each river stretch