Arntzen Pond EA

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. FWP is required to review the potential impacts of issuing a Private Fish Pond License. The pond is located on an ephemeral drainage that feeds into Dog Creek. The pond has a manmade dam, and the drainage upstream has two additional small reservoirs. The outlet will be an overflow pipe. Water from the outlet flows approximately half a mile before joining Dog Creek. Dog Creek has a typical prairie fish assemblage with no documented Montana Species of Special Concern or sportfish present.

Risk of escapement is likely. The outlet pipe is very small and could not handle large flow events. It is only slightly lower in elevation than the spillway. It is likely that during high flows trout would escape to Dog Creek, but they would not be able to persist because of poor habitat conditions and dewatering. Impacts would be minimal and short in duration.
The project is sponsored by the private landowner and the license would be active for a period of 10-years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Related Documents: Arntzen Pond EA

Public Comment Period Begins: April 12, 2024
Public Comment Period Ends: 5:00 p.m. MST - April 26, 2024

Comments must be addressed to the FWP contact, as listed below.

Where to Mail or Email Comments on the Draft EA:
Name: CLINT SMITH, LEWISTOWN AREA FISHERIES BIOLOGIST
Email: clsmith@mt.gov

Mailing Address:
PO Box 938
Lewistown, MT 549457