Montana approves nearly $581,000 for 14 fisheries projects

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved nearly $581,000 through the Future Fisheries Improvement Program for 14 projects. NBC Montana reported the decision on Oct. 1, 2026.

The package covers stream and bank restoration, fish passage, riparian fencing, and work to keep fish out of irrigation ditches. Matching and other contributions come to about $3.9 million.

Projects named in the report include a floodplain reconnection on Lower Cottonwood Creek in Powell County, floodplain work and fencing on Hound Creek, a Smith River tributary, Gallatin River Restoration, and Darkhorse Creek Aquatic Passage in Beaverhead County. Species expected to benefit include bull trout, mountain whitefish, westslope cutthroat trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout.

Applications for the next grant cycle are due Dec. 15. The program page cited in the story is fwp.mt.gov/FFIP.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: NBC Montana — Montana approves nearly $581,000 for 14 fisheries improvement projects (Oct. 1, 2026).