Fishing closed on Mission Reservoir
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News from CSKT Natural Resources
PABLO — On Aug. 28, 2023, the CSKT Natural Resources Department Water Monitoring & Measurement Program observed that water levels at Mission Reservoir had dropped to a point that raised safety concerns for the local fish populations and overall fisheries ecosystem.
After review of the situation, the CSKT Tribal Council, in accordance with its authority to preserve and protect the health and quality of Tribal fisheries, will close the Mission Reservoir to all fishing activities until water levels reach established marks. The closure does not prevent other recreational activities at the Mission Reservoir such as swimming. However, the public is reminded that all motorized, or other vehicle traffic, is prohibited on the bed and banks of the exposed reservoir.
The CSKT Water Monitoring & Measurement Program will continue checking the water levels at Mission Reservoir in the interim and fishing restrictions will be assessed as the situation develops.
The Mission Dam is owned and operated as a Federal asset under the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the reservoir is utilized as a major storage facility for the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (FIIP). As part of FIIP reservoir operations, the Project is required to maintain minimum water levels at selected reservoirs in order to protect Tribal fisheries and provide sufficient water supply throughout the irrigation system. The fishing restrictions placed in effect today are not expected to have any impact on downstream irrigation project operations.
If there are questions about any aspect of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project, they should be directed to FIIP offices at 406-745-2661.
