The plan does not cover fisheries in the Flathead River downstream from Kerr Dam. The plan sets management direction for the period 2001-2010. Fish and aquatic communities have changed dramatically over the last decade. Mysis shrimp, first noted in Flathead Lake in 1981, strip zooplankton from the upper waters of the lake and serve as food for deep water fish such as lake trout and lake whitefish. Lake trout have increased in numbers and now make up most of the recreational fishery.
Lake whitefish are very numerous.
Native species such as bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout have declined. With the establishment of Mysis and growth of the lake trout population, managers increased angling limits on lake trout and decreased limits on native trout. Adaptive management emphasizes the application of new knowledge and techniques as they become available. Through adaptive management, actions can be adjusted as new information comes to light. They also called on the Montana Consensus Council to assess the social and biological situation and to suggest a public involvement process.