To gain needed information, a fish popula- 

 tion study with fish traps was undertaken in 

 1962 and 1963. Information to date indicates a 

 sciuger population, under-utilized, but of great 

 potential value. Also there are channel cat- 

 fish, paddlefish and burbot with potential sport 

 fishery value. 



The Fisheries Division plans to continue the 

 inventory of the fish population in the Missouri 

 River with emphasis on the relationship be- 

 tween fish in the river and in its tributaries. 

 Only in this way can the proposed develop- 

 ments on the Missouri River be adequately 

 evaluated and provisions made to preserve the 

 fisheries resource. 



Helicopter Mountain Lake Survey 



It is estimated that Montana has 2,000 moun- 

 tain lakes. A considerable number are inac- 

 cessible to even four-wheel drive vehicles. 



Although mountain lakes presently support 

 a relatively small part of Montana's sport fish- 

 ing, there is considerable interest from sports- 

 men and outfitters regarding their management. 

 Also, the department is frequently asked for 

 recommendations on mountain lakes being con- 

 sidered for irrigation development. Such rec- 

 ommendations should be based on a knowl- 

 edge of all lakes in the immediate area. Only 

 in this way can the importance of an individual 

 lake be judged. 



In 1962 the Montana Fish and Game De- 

 partment purchased a helicopter for fish and 

 game management work. Immediately moun- 

 tain lake survey gear and methods were modi- 

 fied so this modem means of transportation 

 could be used. A cost analysis of 45 lakes sur- 

 veyed in 1962 disclosed the cost of transporta- 

 tion was $74.44 per lake. This was $5.00 less 

 than our lowest cost per lake for rented horse- 

 back transportation. The survey took 13 days 

 whereas by the old method 30 days would have 

 been required. 



The uae of a helicopter hag qrealely (Implifled survey work on hlqh mountain Iake«. 



