since its original purchase in 1958, the DFWP has 

 released water from the reservoir for instream purposes. 

 However, it was unusual for those releases to reach dewatered 

 downstream areas because the water was diverted by the 

 irrigators along the way. 



In 1985, 1986, and 1987, the DFWP reached an agreement 

 with the irrigators that would allow a major portion of the 

 released water to reach Bell Crossing. A water commissioner 

 was appointed by the court to monitor and enforce diversions 

 of water. This was a satisfactory program during those low- 

 water years, but the agreement was not fully implemented due 

 to summer rains that increased streamflows (see the agreement 

 between the irrigators and the DFWP on the following page) . 



Painted Rocks Lake contains primarily westslope 

 cutthroat trout and is a limited fishery maintained by 

 stocking. Rainbow and brook trout occur in fewer numbers. 

 There is, however, considerable other recreational use of the 

 lake, such as boating, camping, waterskiing, and swimming. 

 These activities become limited as the pool level drops. In 

 low-water years, there is sometimes no pool at all in late 

 fall and winter. When it appears the lake will not contain 

 adequate water during a low-water year, it is DFWP policy to 

 not stock fish during that year. The reservoir lies in a 

 very pleasing scenic mountain area and is an extremely 

 aesthetic spot when the water level is adequate. 



The Bitterroot River flows 80 miles from the junction of 

 the east and west forks to its confluence with the Clark Fork 

 at Missoula. It is a very popular fishery for rainbow and 

 brown trout as well as mountain whitefish during the winter. 

 Other species include westslope cutthroat, brook trout, and 

 bull trout. It is a floatable stream when flows are 

 adequate, and local guides provide some services to fisher- 

 men. The stream flows through the beautiful Bitterroot 

 Valley and is a major aesthetic attraction along with the 

 high mountains and riparian lowlands. 



Dewatering is the principal problem that must be con- 

 tinuously monitored. DFWP has filed a claim for instream 

 flows at the request of the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife 

 Association under Section 85-2-223 of Senate Bill 76. The 

 claim is currently pending in the Water Court. 



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