Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports a significant decline in the fish population in the Stillwater River in recent years.

According to FWP, the decline is partly due to the historic floods two years ago, but it is more likely due to the cleanup efforts after the flood rather than the disaster itself.

“Most of the time it’s environmental factors, but sometimes it’s more human intervention,” says FWP fisheries biologist Bryan Giordano.

The report examines two parts of the river: the upper part, which is the area above Rosebud Creek, and the lower part, which is everything below Rosebud Creek. Each part of the river has seen different declines in fish populations, but both parts are of concern, according to FWP.

The upper part has steadily declined over the last two decades and now has 10% fewer fish than before due to reduced water flow.

The decline in the lower reaches is much more worrying. From fall 2022 to fall 2023, the river saw a nearly 50% decline in fish population.

“Many people live in Montana and come to Montana for our natural resources, and fishing is a big part of that,” Giordano said. “If we reduce the fish population, it hurts local businesses and the people who are here to recreation.”

People in the business and recreation categories include 90-year-old Bob Kimball. Kimball runs his own fishing shop in Absarokee after moving here from Colorado in part because of his love of fishing.

“There are rivers in Colorado and there are rivers in Montana, but there's a difference,” Kimball said with a smile. “I can't explain it. There are a lot of cowboys, a lot of rodeos, a lot of cattle, good steaks, but a lot of fly fishing.”

For Kimball, the best thing about fishing is finding peace and serenity.

“Anyone who wants to get away from the world and get away from the stress should try fishing,” Kimball said. “You can walk away without ever catching a fish and still feel great.”

While Kimball may not mind casting a line and catching nothing, he expressed concern about the population's decline and even encouraged anglers like him to do what they can to help.

“I think if we as fishermen took the lead, knowing that there may be a decline, that would be very helpful,” Kimball said.

According to FWP, the main reason for the decline is flood cleanup, during which many Montanans rebuilt river banks, destroying fish habitat along the coast.

For this reason, they are hoping for public support and are asking landowners along the Stillwater shore to come forward if they are willing to make their shoreline available for the restoration of these habitats.

“We are looking for landowners who are willing to undertake fish-friendly projects,” Giordano said. “Anyone willing to help with a restoration project would be a great help.”