Boats, gear must be inspected before fishing Blackfeet waters
The Blackfeet Tribe has announced that people who are fishing reservation waters must have their equipment inspected for aquatic invasive species. Those who fail to do so could face a $500 fine.
The inspection includes “all mucks, waders, float tubes, boats, and other aquatic gear,” according to Gerald “Buzz” Cobell, Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department director.
Anglers should call Call (406) 338-7207 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to schedule an inspection prior to April 13. After April 13, the AIS inspection station on U.S. Highway 2 just west of Browning will be operational from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
Cobell said the tribe is worried about aquatic invasive species, as they have shown up previously in the Missouri River and Tiber Reservoir.
The Tribe is making the announcement as its popular fishing lakes are becoming free of ice.
The inspections are free of charge. If people who are fishing leave the reservation, the equipment must be inspected again.
Anglers will receive two proof of inspection documents — one for the vehicle and one to keep on their person.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recently announced a watercraft inspection station near Anaconda intercepted three boats carrying invasive mussels.
One boat was coming from Michigan heading for Yakima, Washington, another other was coming from Florida heading for the Seattle area, and the third boat was coming from Ohio heading to British Columbia. The three boats had been out of the water for some time, and the mussels were not viable.
As a reminder, all people transporting motorized or nonmotorized boats into Montana must have their watercraft inspected before launching. Boat owners are required to stop at all open watercraft inspection stations. Persons purchasing used boats should ensure the watercraft are clean, drained and dry before crossing the Montana state line.
To arrange an AIS inspection, call 406-444-2440. Other inspection stations are scheduled to open in early April.
Always ensure your boat is clean, drained and dry when removing from the water, both the tribe and FWP note.