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Fort Peck Fish Hatchery Thriving

Gone Fishing: A look at the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: May 22, 2009 at 4:40 PM MST

Story Updated: May 25, 2009 at 10:00 AM MST

The Fort Peck Fish Hatchery near Glasgow plays a key role to enhance sport fishing in Montana. Thanks to some recent legislation, the hatchery will benefit from new funding sources.

The 22 million dollar hatchery opened in 2006. It is a multi-species facility that raises warm, cold, and cool water fish.

"We grow fish, and put them back into their natural environment," said Hatchery Manager Charlie Bridgham. "It allows the public a place to catch fish."

Millions of fish are raised each year, with the primary species being Walleye, Northern Pike, and Chinook salmon. They are then released into Montana waterways.

Millions of eggs are collected from Fort Peck Lake. From their, they are fertilized and most return to the lake, to enhance Montana sport fishing. The facility includes 64 rearing tanks, and 40 outdoor ponds. The hatchery also serves as a place of exploration, for touring school group.

"They get excited when we have larger fish on site," said Bridgham. "Most of our fish here are six inches or less."

With the recent passing of Senate Bill 425 in the 2009 Montana Legislative Session, the hatchery will now have more options when it comes to funding.

"The new funding allows for the hatchery to use other sources besides the Warm Water Stamp to fund the hatchery."

Thanks to the hard work of the staff of four, the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery continues to produce millions of fish, which allows Montanans to enjoy sport fishing.

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