In terms of updates, here are some graphics from the latest fish numbers on the Missouri. While it may look as though there are a few less fish in the river, there is some data that is not included in the graphs. When Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks shocks the river, they only count fish over 10", the numbers of small fish left out of the graph is simply amazing, well over 1,000 small Rainbows (8-10 inchers) per mile in both sections. While I find it in poor taste to target these fish, as mortality is high in small trout, it does speak to the overwhelmingly great health of the Missouri. Huge numbers of small Rainbows are typical of years after high water. In 1998, which was the previous high water year, the numbers of small Rainbows were supposedly very similar. Look at what happened on the graph in 1999 just one year after a high water year, record numbers of Rainbows. Fishing over 5000 rainbows per mile would really change the fishery, while the Missouri is currently known for smart large fish, and 40 fish days being the exception, that would surely change in a river populated with smaller rainbows.
