Time to take advantage of spring fishing

  • Published
  • By Jason Gibbons
  • 341st Civil Engineer Squadron Conservation Program Manager
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  As the ice melts away and grass turns green, we're reminded that spring fishing season has arrived. For those anglers who like to get an early start, remember to purchase your 2012 fishing license before heading out.

Rules and regulations for fishing at Powwow Pond here on base, which lies within Montana's central district, are listed in this year's Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks fishing regulations. Catch limits for trout are five daily and 10 in possession. All largemouth bass must be released back into the pond unharmed. No license is required for children ages 1 to 11, and only a conservation license is required for children ages 12 to 14 and adults age 62 or older. Everyone else must purchase both conservation and fishing licenses for the season.

Goldfish are a serious problem at Powwow Pond despite efforts to poison, drain and rehabilitate the fishery. Fisheries Biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have recommended a suite of measures to reduce goldfish numbers while maintaining an enjoyable fishery for base residents.

A small number of largemouth bass were captured and donated by the state to eat young goldfish and control goldfish reproduction. Adult goldfish must be removed by hand, either through angling, netting, or electro-shocking by fisheries biologists. In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, last year approximately 600 adult goldfish were removed and fall surveys discovered young bass, indicating a successful spawning season for the largemouth.

Water quality issues caused by the estimated 3,000 goldfish at Powwow Pond create conditions that make it unfeasible to stock large numbers of catchable-size fish. Within the next few years, the base biologist hopes that largemouth bass numbers will be high enough to allow for a limited bass harvest. Until then, experts agree that there is no magic bullet and a combination of tools must be used to reduce invasive goldfish if the base is to retain not only a viable fishery, but an enjoyable recreation area for its residents.

Note: Be sure to mark your calendar for the National Kid's Fishing Day event at Powwow Pond Saturday, June 2.