Fishing limits may be lifted on Lena Lake

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing to lift fishing limits on Lena Lake in the Bob Marshall Wilderness because of plans to purge fish from the lake in September.

A public comment period will extend from May 10 to May 21, and fishing limits on the lake would be lifted through Aug. 31.

Lena Lake is 74 acres and is located in the headwaters of the Big Salmon Creek drainage. 

It is moderately popular with backcountry anglers who have asked for bag limit waivers prior on lakes that previously have been treated with a toxin called Rotenone in an effort prevent hybridization of native westslope cutthroat trout with other species such as rainbow trout.

Lena Lake is part of a multiyear project involving 21 lakes in the South Fork Flathead drainage, considered a cutthroat stronghold.

After lakes are purged, they are stocked with genetically pure cutthroats to restore recreational fishing. Past stocking efforts have been successful in restoring robust fisheries, according to Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials.

Comments on the bag limit waiver must be submitted in writing by e-mail to fwpfsh@mt.gov or to Don Skaar, fisheries office, FWP, 1420 E. Sixth Ave., Helena, MT 59620.