close
close

FWP is investigating a video showing side-by-side joyrides in the Big Hole River

BUTTE – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is investigating a report of people driving vehicles side by side in the Big Hole River at a fishing spot in Melrose.

A person who wished to remain anonymous posted a video late Saturday afternoon of a group of people cheering as at least two side-by-side vehicles were driven into the river and thrashing around in the water at the Salmon Fly Fishing Access site.

SEE THE VIDEO HERE:

FWP is investigating a video showing side-by-side joyrides in the Big Hole River

FWP fish biologist Jim Olsen told KXLF that not only is this a violation of Montana's law against operating motorized vehicles in rivers and streams, but brown trout are currently spawning in the area.

The Big Hole Watershed Committee also shared the video on Facebook and stated in the post:

Folks, the Big Hole is precious. It's unique. It has immense value – the kind that makes a living, and much more that you can't put a price on.

This access point is the starting point for brown trout spawning.

This is not a permitted activity but a violation of 310 Laws.

The Big Hole River has struggled with declining trout populations in recent years, and Olsen said activity like the one recorded Saturday could exacerbate that problem.

As of Tuesday, no subpoenas have been issued in this matter and the investigation is ongoing.

RELATED: Trout sampling on the Big Hole River shows an increase in juvenile brown and rainbow trout

You may also like...