Future Fisheries Improvement Program Grants
Future Fisheries Improvement Program Grants support Montana project teams restoring and protecting wild fish habitat in rivers, streams, and lakes to conserve native species and improve angling.
Funder: Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks
Due Dates: November 15, 2026 (winter cycle) | May 15, 2027 (summer cycle)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $2 million per biennium; recent awards averaged approximately $40,000
Summary: Supports on-the-ground projects that restore, enhance, or protect Montana habitat for wild fish.
Key Information: Approved projects require a commitment to maintain improvements for at least 20 years.
Description
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ Future Fisheries Improvement Program funds work in Montana rivers, streams, and lakes to benefit wild fish populations, native species conservation, and angling opportunities. Projects may improve fish passage or streamflow; restore channels, banks, riparian areas, or spawning habitat; prevent fish losses at diversions; protect native fish; or improve fishing in a lake or reservoir. Design/build, construction, and maintenance of habitat improvements may be funded.
The program favors projects that restore native fish habitat and address the causes of degradation. It also considers public benefit, long-term effectiveness, cost, and local participation. An independent citizen panel recommends projects to the Fish & Wildlife Commission, which makes final funding decisions.
