Assessment of Bull Trout and Lake Trout Interactions in Flathead Lake, Montana 1998

Conclusions of the 5-year review:

• Monitoring efforts indicate stable populations of both native trout and lake trout. The decision matrix in the plan directs the co-managers to re-evaluate goals and objectives.

• The review concluded that current angler exploitation of lake trout is moderate and sustainable. Current strategies have not significantly increased lake trout harvest or angler pressure during the first five years of the plan.

• Actions to date have not caused any measurable change in the fish community in the last five years.

• The risk to the lake trout fishery from drawing incorrect conclusions from the data is small because the population is so robust.

Three alternatives were proposed by the mid-term review. The preferred alternative had the following goal: Substantially Increase Harves by General Angling Public.

• "Achieve the goals of the plan with greatly increased agency effort. This alternative has moderate social, economic and management costs. It is moderately likely to achieve the total harvest goal of 60,000 lake trout annually."

For more information see: Phase II of the Five Year Review of the Flathead Lake and River Fisheries Co-management Plan. MTFWP & CS&KT