Dependable flows sought for Bighorn

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus says he will introduce legislation to ensure the world-renowned trout fishery along the Bighorn River is protected from low-water that can kill fish.

A prolonged dry spell in Wyoming and Montana since 2000 has reduced water flowing down the river below Bighorn Lake, threatening both the fish and a local economy highly dependent on recreational anglers. Meanwhile, Wyoming officials have been pushing the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to further rein in that flow to keep Bighorn Lake from falling below historic levels.

Baucus’ legislation, the Bighorn River Protection Act, would force the bureau for the first time to incorporate downstream fish management into its operation of the lake. The river would be ensured a minimum sustained flow of 1,500 cubic feet of water — a figure state biologist Ken Frazer said is critical to maintaining a trout fishery that attracts anglers from around the world.

“For somebody to make any gains, someone else is going to have to give something up,” said Dan Jewell, area manager for the Bureau of Reclamation, predicting that interests in Wyoming will fight against Baucus’ measure.

Associated Press