Fishing regulations on this reach have been catch-and-release only for trout since 1978 and no 

 fishing was allowed from boats since 1974 (Table 2). Since 1995, angling was restricted to after 

 the third Saturday in May above McAtee Bridge to protect spawning rainbow trout. Population 

 estimates have been conducted on the Pine Butte Section since 1977. 



Angler interviews from each creel survey were summarized by FWP staff and provided to the 

 author along with annual Fisheries Division Job Progress Reports where available, original creel 

 data sheets, and creel method summaries for each year. Table 2 provides a brief summary of the 

 number of creel responses, the pressure estimate reported, the dates the creel survey was 

 conducted, and any pertinent regulations. In the years when no progress report was available, 

 exact dates for the creel period are estimated based on the creel summary data sheets. Some of 

 the inherent problems in making comparisons among years using the existing data include the 

 lack of standardization in the number of interviews performed, the fact that Snoball was closed to 

 fishing partially or entirely during some years, and an increase in survey effort in 1995 and 1996 

 both in interviews performed and area covered. The author has attempted to note when these 

 inconsistencies may affect comparisons, and to address the implications accordingly. 



Table 2. Creel survey data collection for the Madison River, Montana from 1975 to 1996. Pressure 

 estimates in angler hours, were taken from original data summary sheets or final annual fisheries division 

 job progress reports (Appendix A). Sections are open to boat and shore fishing unless noted otherwise. 



Evaluation of 1995 and 1 996 Creel Data and its Implications related to Whirling Disease 

 In the Madison River, Montana 



Montana Fish, Wildlife and Paries 

 March 12, 2002 



