Invasive fish found in Three Forks and Livingston ponds

FWP received two reports from anglers who observed northern pike in the Three Forks Ponds, which are less than a mile from the Madison River. Fisheries staff confirmed these reports on May 28 when two pike were captured by gillnetting.

FWP also heard from anglers in late May who noticed bass in a pond in Livingston commonly known as the Sacajawea Lagoon, which is along Fleshman Creek adjacent to the Yellowstone River. FWP staff sampled the pond on June 1 and caught three smallmouth bass and six largemouth bass.

While northern pike, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass are found in other areas of Montana, they are not native to the upper Missouri or upper Yellowstone river basins.

FWP is aware of introduced species in additional community ponds elsewhere, such as the River Rock Pond in Belgrade. In such cases, the fish were introduced illegally. State law prohibits transporting any live fish away from the body of water where it was taken, with only a few exceptions noted in fishing regulations. Landowners with private ponds or community ponds must obtain a license to stock fish, and only approved species may be used.

Illegal transportation and introduction of fish into other waterbodies can be detrimental to existing fisheries, especially for native species. Aquatic invasive species can be extremely difficult or impossible to remove once established.

FWP staff are continuing to assess how best to mitigate concerns caused by these most recent discoveries. Montana’s Statewide Fisheries Management Plan contains possible management tools for fish removal based on local circumstances. These options will be considered through the same process as other management removal projects, which follow the Montana Environmental Policy Act.

To report illegal fish introductions, visit tipmont.mt.gov to provide details. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.