Protecting Cold-Water Trout Fisheries in the Northern Rockies
FishCast is an interactive tool that helps users explore the projected impacts of drought on valuable trout fisheries in the northern Rocky Mountains. As droughts become more frequent and severe, reduced streamflows and rising water temperatures threaten cold-water trout species – impacting populations, fishing opportunities, and local economies.
FishCast provides insights into how these changes are affecting Montana's renowned blue-ribbon trout fisheries, supporting proactive management and sustainable recreational fishing for anglers today and generations to come.
Key Features
Seasonal Outlooks
Short-term forecasts on the impacts of streamflow drought on trout populations and the likelihood of exceeding low flow and/or high temperature management thresholds.
Long-Term Forecasts
Projections of fish abundance to guide long-term planning and adaptive management.
Streamflow Analysis
Insights into how streamflow changes affect trout fisheries, supporting better management decisions.
Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS)
Extreme droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, threatening freshwater ecosystems and the services they provide. Drought reduces streamflows, increases water temperatures, and stresses trout populations, leading to declines in survival and production.
To address these challenges, scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Montana State University, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) with support from the NOAA National Integrated Drought Information System, have developed Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS) for Montana's popular trout rivers.
How FishCast Works
FishCast uses long-term monitoring data from Montana FWP and USGS streamflow data to provide seasonal and long-term projections of trout population trends and drought risk. The tool helps resource managers predict whether populations will increase, remain stable, or decline. FishCast also forecasts the likelihood of exceeding drought-related low flow and/or high temperature (hoot owl) management thresholds for fishing restrictions and closures using streamflow and water temperature data from USGS streamgages.
Learn More
Why FishCast Matters
As climate change accelerates the frequency and severity of droughts, FishCast helps resource managers and the public stay ahead of the curve with data-driven insights and forecasts. By improving drought planning and water management, FishCast empowers communities to make informed decisions that safeguard trout populations, sustain fishing opportunities, and protect the ecological health of our most valued freshwater resources.
Empowering Stakeholders
FishCast serves as the primary tool for regional DEWS across cold-water fisheries in the West. Initially focused on Montana's blue-ribbon trout rivers, FishCast will expand to cover other major trout fisheries across the western U.S.
FishCast integrates water and fisheries management to balance human, agricultural, and ecological needs, ensuring the long-term sustainability of freshwater resources. By offering science-based tools for adaptive management, FishCast can help protect freshwater ecosystems, support local economies, and address the growing risks of drought.
Meet the FishCast Team
Contact Us
For questions or feedback, please contact Clint Muhlfeld.
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