Portions of Yellowstone River, some tributaries re-opened

In a conference call, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission OK’d a proposal from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to open the Yellowstone River from the Yellowstone boundary to the Carbella Fishing Access Site to non-fishing recreation. Streams and rivers draining into that section of the Yellowstone also were closed.

Some infected and dead fish have been found in the portions of the river that are opening.

Section 2, from Carbella to the U.S. Highway 89 Bridge will remain closed to all activities, but its tributaries will be open, including spring creeks.

Rafting company owner Mike Barlow in Gardiner says it may be too late to resume the season.

“They wanted to get back on, but they understood that we don’t want to do any long-term harm to this river”, he said.

Vermillion said the closure, which was implemented when large numbers of dead mountain whitefish were discovered, was done to protect trout as well as whitefish. “I hope we start seeing some people again”.

Vermillion said the closure has had a big economic impact on Livingston and those whose livelihood is tied to the river, but that guides and outfitters supported the state’s caution to ensure that the river’s fishery isn’t damaged. It is considered to be one of the most devastating diseases for trout and whitefish populations.

That area remains closed to all recreation and use at this time. Fish and wildlife officials have said the rate of fish dying appears to have eased in recent days.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock declared an “invasive species emergency” Monday, which frees up about $15.4 million for worker retention grants and other programs.