Field reports: Montanans enjoy guide-free days

FISHING – Butte-area anglers have been making it known that they want to keep controversial rules that help prevent overcrowding on the Beaverhead River.

One rule bars outfitters from taking clients on a popular section of the Beaverhead River on certain days of the week.

“On a typical day when the guides are out with the out-of-staters, you could count 40 to 60 boats a day,” Paul Rosenthal said at a recent public meeting. “You come around every corner and there’s someone in every hole.

“It’s just not an enjoyable experience,” he added, noting that he’d be miffed if Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks removes the restrictions.

The decade-old rules also place restrictions on the number of fishing outfitters per day, on where nonresidents can float fish and on the total number of watercraft allowed on the river. All the rules are being reviewed by the agency this month.

Montana Standard

Chili, desert feed funds Palisades

CONSERVATION – Palisades Park, a natural area near Indian Canyon Golf Course, will get boost from a Chili & Desert Cookoff Saturday, 6 p.m., at 813 N. Grove Road.

Info: www.palisadesnw.com.

Rich Landers

Seasons close on Spokane River

FISHING – Two sections of the Spokane River will close to fishing on Monday:

•Plese Flats to Monroe Street Dam.

•Upriver Dam to Idaho boundary.

Restricted fishing will reopen in those stretches on June 5.

Rich Landers

Outdoor cooking class offered

CAMPING – A two-session outdoor cooking class starts Monday at Mountain Gear, with tips on stove selection, Dutch oven and backpack cooking. Cost: $34.

Sign up through Spokane Parks and Rec, 625-6200; spokaneparks.org.

Rich Landers

Derby series up to 17 events

FISHING – The Northwest Salmon Derby Series, the largest of its kind in the United States, has added four events this year.

The series was founded in 2004 with six saltwater events. This year it’s swelled to 17 derbies around the Puget Sound region and is expected to lure about 10,000 anglers.

Info: www.northwest salmonderbyseries.com

Rich Landers