Mission Reservoir reopens for fishing

The CSKT Natural Resources Department reopened Mission Reservoir to fishing last Friday, after confirming that water levels have recovered from the previously recorded low levels measured at the end of August.

The reservoir, located east of St. Ignatius, had been closed to fishing by the CSKT Tribal Council in late August.

In a press release, the Natural Resources Department reminded the public that all recreational activities on tribally owned lands require a non-member person over the age of 11 to purchase a Tribal Conservation Permit.

Additionally, the Tribes reserve the right to post Tribal lands and waters for additional regulations and restrictions pertaining to environmental protection, conservation, public safety and regulation as recommended by the Tribal Natural Resources Department.

The Mission Dam is owned and operated as a federal asset under the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the reservoir is utilized as a major storage facility for the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (FIIP). As part of FIIP reservoir operations, the project is required to maintain minimum water levels at selected reservoirs in order to protect tribal fisheries and provide sufficient water supply across the irrigation system.

For more information about the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project, call 406-745-2661.