Four people were cited for joyriding side-by-side ATVs in a portion of the Big Hole River where trout were spawning in September.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) reported the four people were fined $135 for operating a vehicle off authorized routes on September 28, 2024 at the Salmon Fly Fishing Access site near Melrose.
FWP did not release the names of the people cited.
The incident received public outcry after phone video showed the motorists spinning tires and driving recklessly in the river as a crowd of onlookers cheered.
This happened while signs posted at the fishing access site prohibited the use of off-road motorized vehicles.
The well-publicized incident resulted in game wardens getting many tips from the public during the investigation.
- WHAT A PHOTO! Ermine in Yellowstone
- Pickup truck crashes into Montana hotel
- E.coli linked to McDonald's burgers
- Latest news: Montana Politics
(OCTOBER 1, 2024) Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is investigating a report of people joyriding side-by-side vehicles in the Big Hole River at a fishing access site in Melrose.
A person who wants to remain anonymous posted video of a group of people cheering as at least two side-by-side vehicles were driven into the river and spinning out in the water at the Salmon Fly Fishing Access site on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
FWP Fish Biologist Jim Olsen told MTN News that this is not just a violation of Montana law to drive motorized vehicles in rivers and creeks, but that area is also where brown trout are currently spawning.
The Big Hole Watershed Committee also shared the video on Facebook, stating in the post: "Folks, the Big Hole is precious. It is unique. It has immense value- the kind you make a living from and much more that you can’t put a price on. This access site is ground zero for brown trout spawning. This is not an ok activity, in fact it’s a violation of '310' laws."
"310" is a reference to the Natural Streambed & Land Preservation Act, also known as the 310 Law. The purpose of the 310 law is to keep rivers and streams in as natural or existing condition as possible, to minimize sedimentation and to recognize beneficial uses.
The Big Hole River has been struggling with decreased trout numbers in recent years, and Olsen said activities like the ones recorded Saturday can make this issue worse.
No citations have been issued in this matter as of Tuesday, and the investigation continues.
