During the fall of this year, two walleye were net caught along with the usual types of fish out of Swan lake. FWP are usually worried about the growing number of lake trout in western Montana lakes, but walleye is another animal, literally. Walleye are not native to Montana waters and are a very aggressive predatory fish. To preserve the native fish in Swan lake, biologists first have to test their ear bones to find out if they have been recently introduced to the lake, or if they have grown up in the lake. This initial step is to determine the severity of the problem. If they have been recently introduced, it will be a lot easier to eradicate them than if they have been there for a few generations.
Criminal charges for interfering with the fisheries around Montana can have penalties from $2,000-$10,000, loss of fishing, hunting, trapping privileges and liability costs for eradicating the fish that has been introduced illegally. Montana FWP is asking anyone with information on who introduced these walleye to Swan Lake to call 1-800-tip-mont. Callers do not need to identify and may be eligible for a $15,000 reward.
Read the full Missoulian Article Here
