Wilderness lakes fish project on schedule

Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say they will continue with their announced fish restoration projects in Necklace Lakes and Smokey Creek from Aug. 28 through Sept. 4, pending fire conditions in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

The South Fork Flathead westslope cutthroat trout conservation program includes use of rotenone, a chemical that kills fish, to remove nonnative trout and the threat they pose to westslope cutthroat trout in the South Fork drainage. Westslope cutthroat trout will be restocked in Necklace Lakes next spring to reestablish the recreational fishery.

Smokey Creek Trail No. 120 will be closed during the project from Sapphire Pass to the junction with Big Salmon Creek Trail No. 110. For more information, visit online at http://fwp.mt.gov/r1/wctproject/default.html or contact fisheries biologist Matt Boyer by phone at 751-4556 or by e-mail at mboyer@mt.gov.