yards downstream in Little Lightning Lake. Other high marks 

 result from its difficult access. Even so, the lake's notoriety 

 is spreading, accompanied by abuses that accompany fame. 



Sylvan Lake is easily ranked second, followed by Sawtooth 

 and Island lakes. Fourmile Basin Lake #4 has the best oppor- 

 tunity for habitat improvement and could be a viable fishery. 



Angling 



Golden trout are not known for catchability; however, at 

 times they can be very vulnerable. Golden trout are much more 

 visible and easily enticed to the bait in the shallower lake 

 systems. Special regulations were imposed on the Cottonwood 

 lakes, California in 1938, and fishing was closed in 1957 at 

 Surprise Lake, Wyoming to maintain adequate densities. The only 

 special regulations on a golden trout fishery in Montana were an 

 August opening date for Lightning Lake to protect spawners in the 

 outlet. The real need for this protective measure preceded 

 wilderness classification when it was a common practice to fly 

 nearby miners into Lightning Lake by helicopter. 



Angler harvest of golden trout is best at and immediately 

 following ice-out. Catchability becomes difficult in larger 

 waters as fish begin feeding on larger benthic forms. Lakes such 

 as Sylvan, Sawtooth, Hidden and Golden Trout produce catches 

 during summer months, but to a lesser degree than would occur if 

 the lakes were stocked with cutthroat, rainbow or brook trout. 

 An outfitter reported an estimate of 150 fishermen per year use 

 Sawtooth; most catch only a few fish if any (Bob NcNiel, pers., 

 comm. ) . 



Several waters with golden trout hybrids were excellent 

 fisheries, producing a more catchable, highly colored fish. In 

 some areas, e.g., Flood Creek drainage in the Beartooths, these 

 hybrid golden x cutthroat x rainbow usually exceed sizes typical 

 of pure strain golden trout. Requests for information on golden 

 trout waters from fishermen are common to this investigator. 

 Many back-country enthusiasts seek out golden trout for a rare 

 angling experience. 



Management Recommendations 



The discovery that golden trout occupy so few waters in 

 Montana and even fewer good, stable environments, makes it easy 

 to recommend dispersement to additional waters. Because of the 

 total absence of populations in streams, I recommend at least a 

 couple of habitats be searched out for this purpose. I do not 

 contend any great emphasis should be geared to goldens as a 

 management species. Managers have an opportunity to protect, 

 enhance and secure the golden's future in Montana. California 

 has the obligation to secure the fishes' welfare. We in Montana 

 can assist by taking progeny of our best original stocks and 

 expanding their range. 



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