Intake Paddlefishing/Yellowstone Caviar

06/24/2022

Paddlefish update for 6-23-22:

Without creel staff or a fish cleaning station at Intake, paddlefish harvest updates take a bit longer considering anglers have 48 hours to report fish through the mandatory reporting options. Thus, data represented below for June 21 may be adjusted slightly by days end. The following table has been adjusted from prior reports to include all reported fish (Intake, Phone Reporting Line, MyFWP, and self-reporting boxes). Prior tables only represented fish cleaned at Intake.

Anglers continue to find some successes at Sidney Bridge, Intake, and upstream of Intake (Glendive, Fallon, Terry, Powder-Yellowstone Confluence, and Tongue-Yellowstone Confluence).

06/24/2022

Anglers continue to find some successes at Sidney Bridge, Intake, and upstream of Intake (Glendive, Fallon, Terry, Powder-Yellowstone Confluence, and Tongue-Yellowstone Confluence). The current count from 6/21 is 728.

06/20/2022

After 5 weeks of paddlefishing in the yellow tag area an estimated of 712 paddlefish have been harvested. Per FWP, high river flows experienced last week allowed fish to scatter throughout the river reducing any concentration of fish at one location. We saw low angler participation at intake. Anglers could find paddlefish nearly everywhere in the river (at the Powder as well). FWP has advised that there are only 7 harvest days remaining before the June 30th end of season. The decision has been made to terminate the paddlefish cleaning service at intake for 2022. Please see FWP Region 7 for information on Fisheries Creel Staff. Please see FWP Region 7 for mandatory 48-hour requirement to report harvested paddlefish. Harvested paddlefish can be reported at the self-reporting box at Sidney Bridge or Powder River Confluence. Or go to myfwp.mt.gov or report via phone at 1-877-FWP-WILD. Again, please contact FWP Region 7 with any questions.

06/19/2022

Please be advised that we will not have a cutter at intake until Tuesday June 21st at the earliest. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Stay safe, Have a wonderful Father's Day Weekend.

06/16/2022

Paddlefish Update 6/16/22:

Due to high water levels expected Friday and Saturday anglers are advised that the fish cleaning service at Intake be unavailable Friday June 17 & Saturday June 18. The cleaning service will be functional again as soon as river levels allow safe use of the utilities on site. FWP fish staff WILL also be available to weigh and measure fish at the Intake site on harvest days but will be located in the day use parking lot.

06/15/2022

Paddlefish Update 6/15/22:
River conditions are currently rising and look to crest near Glendive Thursday evening and Friday morning at Sidney. As of Wednesday, 6/15, Intake FAS is still open but to walk-in traffic only from the parking area. The campground has been closed to access. For the time being, FWP Fisheries staff will not be on site and the fishing cutting service has been suspended.

The public is reminded that FWP sites may have limited access during these times of uncertain rivers conditions. Those intending to recreate at FWP sites near rivers are encouraged to check https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/allRestrictions for current restrictions or closures.
Any restrictions or closures put in place are done so with public safety in mind. Flooding poses significant safety hazards, especially to recreationists. High water levels and related river hazards can appear and evolve without warning. Recreationists can avoid accidents and injury to themselves and others by observing all safety closures and avoiding other areas with high flows.

06/15/2022

Lower Yellowstone River Sites Affected by Rising River Conditions

With high river flows predicted on the lower Yellowstone River through the weekend Fish, Wildlife & Parks has restricted access to some sites in southeast Montana.
As of Wednesday morning, June 15th, the following sites have been impacted: Rosebud East and Rosebud West Fishing Access sites (FAS) near Forsyth are both limited to walk-in traffic only. Motorized vehicle access is restricted until further notice.
Myers Bridge FAS near Hysham is closed as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has closed Howrey Island Recreation Area, which includes the access road to Myers Bridge FAS.
Isaac Homestead FAS, also near Hysham, is limited to walk-in traffic only as water is across the road at this time. Also at Hysham, Amelia Island FAS is still accessible but the boat ramp has been closed.
Intake FAS near Glendive is currently open to the upper parking area. Walk-in traffic is permitted only beyond the parking area. Those wishing to participate in the ongoing paddlefish season are advised that FWP staff will not be onsite and the fish cutting service will be discontinued.
Further restrictions of additional sites may be warranted as river conditions fluctuate in the next few days. FWP staff are currently evaluating river impacts to all sites and will adjust accessibility restrictions as needed to protect public safety.
FWP has been in close communication with agency cooperators, area officials and local emergency services and all have been notified of site accessibility. Current statuses of FWP sites throughout the state can be found at https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/allRestrictions.
Any restrictions or closures put in place are done so with public safety in mind. Flooding can be unpredictable and poses significant safety hazards, especially to recreationists. High water levels and related river hazards can appear and evolve without warning. Recreationists can avoid accidents and injury to themselves and others by observing all safety closures and avoiding other areas with high flows.

06/15/2022

The latest from FWP.

Paddlefish Update 6/14/22:
See following table and charts for more details. Please be advised that the river flow rates Tuesday -Thursday will be the highest encountered in 2022. These flows will include substantial woody debris, please use caution when recreating near the river this week. See NOAA's river flow forecast at Glendive below.

06/14/2022

The Yellowstone River is on the rise, I am watching it closely. I think it is safe to say we can expect some lowland flooding in the next day or two. Farmers/Ranchers and any land owners along the river I encourage you to move anything of value on the low lands to higher ground. As the week progresses and the temperatures warm up we can expect a significant rise. I will continue to monitor the river all week, as I ask that you do the same. The river banks are soft and show some sliding in places. Please use extreme caution if you are near the river. Be Safe

06/13/2022

Here are the latest stats.

Paddlefish update for 6-13-22:

After Saturday's angling activity, there have been an estimated 653 paddlefish harvested. Monday is catch and release at Intake only. The next harvest day is Tuesday.

06/13/2022

The paddlefish count is 653 as of Saturday. 303 males and 203 females have been processed.