FWP Seeks Information Regarding Possible Illegal Introductions

Fisheries management of northeast Montana’s ponds and small reservoirs can be a challenge. Habitat limitations, excess nutrient input from multi-use practices, and extreme winter and summer conditions can all negatively impact these biologically and recreationally important fisheries. In addition to these challenges, illegal fish introductions are a pervasive issue that further complicate management.

Whether done intentionally or by accident, it is illegal to move or introduce live fish from one waterbody to another, or to release unwanted bait fish into surface water. These laws were created due to concern of introducing aquatic invasive species (AIS) and because it could greatly disrupt an established fishery.

In 2024, illegal fish introductions were discovered at Home Run Pond (common carp, fathead minnow) and Lower Glasgow Base Pond (northern pike) by FWP fisheries staff and members of the public. Since 2021, introductions at Flat Lake Pond (common carp) and Paulo Reservoir (channel catfish, yellow perch) have also been discovered.

“Not only does the ecosystem suffer when fish are illegally introduced to a new body of water, but social and recreational opportunities are lost as well,” said FWP fisheries biologist Jared Krebs.

“While anglers may think they are creating an additional angling option by introducing a new species, the most probable outcome is an unhealthy fishery and a decrease in catch rates of desired species,” added Krebs.

Illegal fish introductions generally result in an unbalanced food web, a significant decrease in water quality and habitat conditions or both.

The recent discovery of common carp in Home Run Pond is particularly disappointing, as a multi-week drawdown was conducted in fall of 2023 to remove common carp and other undesirable species, in hopes that fish survival and angler catch rates would improve.

“Home Run Pond has suffered numerous fish kills recently due to poor water quality,” noted Krebs. “Removal of species that contributed to poor water quality would have likely had a positive impact on fish survival and angler success. Now, we are basically back at square one.”

Unlawful introductions can bring fines of $2,000 up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to one year. In addition, violators can be held liable for all costs to eliminate or mitigate the effects of the violation. Lastly, violators could lose hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for at least five years.

FWP wants to remind the public that it is illegal to: * Move live fish, invertebrates, or aquatic plants from one waterbody to another without FWP authorization.

* Release unwanted bait fish into water.

* Transport aquatic invasive species.

* Transport surface water. Anyone with possible information about illegal fish introductions in the Glasgow area is encouraged to visit https:// myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/tipmont to provide details, call the FWP violation reporting hot line at 1-800-TIP-MONT, or call the Glasgow office 406228-3700. Folks with information may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Lastly, if members of the public have requests for a particular fish species to be stocked in a pond or small reservoir in the Glasgow area, should contact Krebs at 406-808-7068 or jared. krebs@mt.gov.