Comments needed on fishing derbies

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on more than 50 fishing contests proposed statewide for the open-water season of 2015.

Locally, that includes Fall Mack Days in Flathead Lake; the Koocanusa Resort and Marina’s 13th annual Trout and Salmon Derby; the Lake Koocanusa Fish Derby; the Lake Mary Ronan Perch Festival; Snappy’s Big Bass Bash in Echo Lake; and Spring Mack Days in Flathead Lake.

Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits. Most contests require catch-and-release fishing, and participants in these contests may not keep any fish.

Applications for contests may be approved, denied or approved with conditions. Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts or require additional access site maintenance when needed.

For more information, visit online at www.fwp.mt.gov, choose Public Notices then Fishing, 2015 Fishing Contests, or call 406-444-2449.

Comments may be mailed to FWP Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT, 59620-0701 or e-mailed to fwpfsh@mt.gov. Deadline is Dec. 28.