Illegal Fish Introductions Now Threatening Montana's Most Prized Trout Waters

Montana wildlife officials are warning that illegal introductions of non-native predatory fish are threatening the state’s prized trout fisheries. The alarm targets actions like unauthorized stocking by outsiders who may believe they are helping, such as releasing pike or bass into mountain lakes or tributaries. State biologists say impacts can be long delayed: native cutthroat and westslope trout populations can collapse within a few seasons. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has spent millions on eradication efforts in places including Flathead Lake tributaries and the upper Missouri drainage, but results can be costly and uncertain. Under Montana law, introducing fish without FWP authorization is illegal and can carry serious fines.