mined until a stream investigation is mode later in 

 1962. 



With the advent of increased industrialization in 

 the state, it is apparent that more sensitive methods 

 for detecting low level pollution be developed if 

 stream fisheries are to be maintained at their present 

 quality. A research project has been proposed at 

 Montana State College under the direction of Dr. 

 C. J. D. Brown, to investigate the low level effects of 

 various wastes on trout, but as yet funds have not 

 been made available. 



A three-year, pre-impoundment water quality in- 

 vestigation is being conducted on the upper Missouri 

 River Drainage and will be concluded in September, 

 1962. Samples are collected from 18 established 

 points on the Missouri, Gallatin, Madison, Jefferson, 

 Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers to give a representa- 

 tive picture of the present water quality in this 

 drainage. In addition, biological data were collected 

 from the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers. These data 

 will be useful in determining the effect of the pro- 

 posed dams and accompanying irrigated land drain- 

 age on these important fishing streams. 



An investigation was begun in August of 1961 on 

 the Yellowstone River in the vicinity of Billings. The 

 purpose is to determine the effect of various munici- 



pal and industrial wastes upon the various water 

 uses of the Yellowstone River. The river between 

 Billings and Laurel has returned to clean water con- 

 ditions since the last survey in 1955, primarily due 

 to improved treatment facilities by the Farmer's 

 Union Oil Refinery and Northern Pacific Railway 

 shops. Little or no improvement was noted in the 

 river below Billings during this period. Gross pollu- 

 tion is evident below the Yegen Drain; however, new 

 and improved facilities are being planned by the 

 users of the ditch. 



Taste and odor has been reported to be a problem 

 in the fish of the lower Yellowstone making them 

 unappealing for consumption. Further study into this 

 problem will be carried out during the summer of 

 1962. 



The effects of sediment from the Hart Mountain 

 Irrigation Project in Wyoming, on the Clark Fork of 

 the Yellowstone River, were investigated in the vi- 

 cinity of Belfry. Fish-egg survival experiments and 

 bottom fauna sampling above and below Big Sand 

 Coulee Creek (irrigation return from Hart-Mountain 

 Project) showed a substantial effect of sediment on 

 the aquatic life of the river. To identify the source of 

 pollution, sediment samples will be collected from 

 the river and the irrigation return by U. S. Geological 

 Survey personnel during the summer of 1962. 



FISH HATCHERY SYSTEM 



Through the Montana fish culture program, sports- 

 men fishing in the state are able to fish successfully 

 many waters that would normally have no sport 

 fish in them. Examples of the type of fishing furnished 

 are Browns Lake near Ovando, Georgetown Lake 

 above Anaconda, and Duck Lake near Babb. 



To provide an ever-increasing fishing public with 

 opportunities to fish, eight state fish hatcheries pro- 

 duce some 12 million fish annually. Whether it be 

 a sleek grayling, a fighting rainbow or cutthroat 

 trout, or a large walleye or northern pike that fits 

 the needs of our waters, the Montana hatchery sys- 

 tem can produce it. 



Through adoption of new techniques in fish pro- 

 duction — feeding, treating, and distributing — Mon- 

 tana fish hatcheries have increased their efficiency 

 and are able to meet present day management 

 demands. 



Hatchery Improvements 



During the past biennium several improvements 

 have been made or are in the process of being made 

 at our various hatcheries. At Bluewater Hatchery 

 near Fromberg, a headgate was constructed at an 

 alternate spring and 480 feet of concrete tile was 

 laid to bring this water into the main water supply. 

 A new chain link fence was erected around the 

 ponds at the Great Falls Hatchery. At the Arlee 

 Hatchery, downed timber was cleared and a dike 

 was constructed to prevent flood damage which has 

 repeatedly caused trouble when high water occurs 

 in the Jocko River. Extensive work at the Anaconda 

 Hatchery improved fish rearing facilities. Installation 

 of an auxiliary pump at the Somers Hatchery insures 

 a fresh supply of water for that station at all times. 

 To take care of the expanded facilities at the Lewis- 

 town Hatchery a mechanical fish loader, a power 

 pond cleaner, and a diesel truck with a 2,000-ganon 



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