Deadline extended on fish regs

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has granted a three-week extension on the public comment dead-line for its proposed fishing regulations for 2016.

According to a press release, the original comment deadline was Sept. 12 and the agency extended it to Oct. 3 after receiving multiple requests for additional time to submit comments.

Proposed fishing rule changes in Western Montana include:

* Reduce district standard harvest limit for burbot from five to two daily and in possession.

* Increase district standard harvest strength limit for cutthroat trout in rivers and streams.

* Increase standard harvest limits for lake trout.

* Add single-point, barbless hook gear restriction to streams currently designated as "catch and release for cutthroat trout" and "artificial lures only."

These proposed changes, along with others, are available for review and comment online by visiting fwp.mt.gov, then clicking on "2016 Proposed Fishing Regulations."

Comments can be submitted by email to fwpfsh@mt.gov or by mail to Joel Tohtz, Fisheries Management Bureau Chief, Montana Fish, Wild- life and Parks, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59601.