Fish Culture Program 



In Montana, as in other parts of the United States, fish culture 

 is an important part of the fisheries program. The rearing and 

 planting of fish in sparsely populated Montana, with its many miles 

 of fishing streams and myriads of lakes, must of necessity be dif- 

 ferent than programs for the more heavily populated areas of the 

 nation. It has been determined that the success of the fish cultural 

 program depends upon the ability of Montanans to adjust their 

 program to the existing conditions in the light of the best information 

 available. The adjustments needed are discussed elsewhere in this 

 report under the heading, "Fish Stocking and Management Policy". 



The goal of the fish cultural pi'ogram is to provide a net increase 

 of fish to the fisherman's creel. During the past biennium, two major 

 steps have been taken to accomplish this. First, to liberate fish in 

 such manners, places, and at such times so that a maximum number 

 is caught by the anglers. Second, to provide a higher quality fish 

 for planting which is best adapted for survival. Fish planting pro- 

 grams are being changed continuously according to the latest 

 information available. These revisions are made by Department per- 

 sonnel in cooperation with various sportsmen's organizations. 



It has been the practice to measure the cost and success of 

 hatchery operations in pounds of fish produced. While Montana is 

 concerned about production and cost of production, nevertheless the 

 greatest concern must be the cost of the end product, that is the 

 fish returned to the creel. If in some waters optimum results can 

 be obtained most economically by liberating" small fish, this should 

 be done. If economical results can be obtained only by planting 

 catchable-sized fish, this should be done. The "Fish Stocking and 

 Management Policy" has been designed to bring Montana fish cultural 

 practices to the greatest level of success at the least cost. 



Under the fish cultural program, Montana has been divided into 

 three areas. These three areas are under the direct supervision of 

 hatchery field superintendents, who, in addition to their supervisory 

 positions, each operate one fish cultural station. These men have 

 had much experience in hatchery programs, having been employed 

 in the Fish and Game Department for periods ranging from 26 to 

 32 years. 



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