Nelson to remain low through the winter

Nelson Reservoir, located 20 miles northeast of Malta, will be approximately 16 ft (2206 ft elevation) below full pool elevation of 2221 ft, or 37% of full pool capacity. The reservoir was drawn down to complete a Bureau of Reclamation Safety of Dams project to remedy certain deficiencies associated with the dikes.

The majority of the work has been completed; however, ice anglers should expect crews working through the winter (weather permitting), near the northeast corner of the reservoir. Nelson Reservoir has been a destination ice fishery for many years, attracting anglers from across the state looking to target walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch.

Refill of the reservoir will occur when water diversions begin. This is expected to start sometime in March, 2017. Also, in the spring, construction crews will complete site cleanup, reclamation, reseeding, gravel resurfacing, and any additional work not completed this winter.

FWP fisheries staff completed annual surveys in the fall. Walleye, northern pike, and black crappie abundances were slightly above long-term average. Yellow perch abundances were down approximately 35% from the long-term average. The long-term impacts of the drawdown to the Nelson fishery will be dependent on water availability in the spring, and throughout the 2017 water year.

Anglers looking for more information should contact FWP biologist Cody Nagel at [email protected] or 406-265-6177-ext. 226.