87-3-235. Fort Peck multispecies fish hatchery established. (1) There is a multispecies fish hatchery near Fort Peck dam. The purpose of the hatchery is to provide healthy warm water game fish to improve the warm water fishing opportunities in Montana with minimal impact on cold water fish populations. Administration of the hatchery must be by the department, consistent with the department's authority provided for in 87-3-201.
     (2) The multispecies hatchery is intended to use 96 acres of rearing ponds to produce warm water species. The hatchery is to employ land available through long-term lease from the U.S. army corps of engineers. It is intended that the hatchery use free, high-quality water from the dredge cut adjacent to Fort Peck dam. Electric power for the hatchery may be purchased from Fort Peck dam at the lowest available rate.
     (3) Warm water species to be propagated at the hatchery may include largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), sauger (Stizostedion canadense), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), white crappie (Pomoxis annularis), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), northern pike (Esox lucius), tiger muskellunge, and bait fish, including cisco (Coregonus artedii). The hatchery may also include raceways for salmon.
     (4) Costs for hatchery construction, operation, maintenance, and personnel are to be funded with revenue in the warm water game fish accounts established in 87-3-236. It is intended that the hatchery be constructed in stages as revenue becomes available in the warm water game fish accounts established in 87-3-236.

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 559, L. 1999.