Koi
Goldfish, also known as Koi, are not native to Montana waters. This alien fish is becoming too common of a sight in public waters. Koi are a species of carp that are commonly used for aquariums and feeding pet fish. Once the fish tank owners are done with the fish, they get released into public waters.
The ignorant “Fish Releasers” feel that they are setting Willy Free but are harming the natural ecosystems and other fish species.
River Rock Pond is near where I live, in Belgrade. We often hike around the pond and observe schools of goldfish cruising the shoreline. Some are HUGE! Goldfish over 5 lbs. are common. MT FWP manages this lake for trout, but thanks to the Free Willy folks and other Bucket Biologists, River Rock Lake is stocked with bass, bluegills, and other tropical fish. We have also seen Oscars, Plecostomus’s, and other exotic catfish and species. Some winter kill helps control the alien invasion, but the KOI are tough. These alien fish feed on the trout and bring diseases and disrupt any natural food web.
The local shore anglers enjoy bass fishing. That’s why these species were transported from Three Forks Ponds to our local waters. Transporting illegal fish is their way of saving time to bass fish closer to where they fish.
It is illegal to transport live fish in Montana. The water from other watersheds is also not for transport.
Never release unused bait into water.
Dispose of fish waste properly. Do not clean the fish in other waters different than where you caught the fish.
It is illegal to transport live fish, aquatic plants, or invertebrates from one waterbody to another without FWP authorization.
AIS, aquatic invasive species, can infect healthy watersheds. Watercraft require inspections before launching into our waters. Ballasts, bladders, storage tanks, and boots require monitoring.
Learn where live bait is and is not allowed throughout Montana waters. Leeches and minnows may require certified distributors. The western fishing districts allow no use of sculpins or live minnows, including Koi.
Goldfish ponds in Montana require a permit from the FWP. Koi ponds need to be registered and monitored. The permit is free.
If you catch any invasive species, kill it and dispose of it properly. Some species, like smallmouth bass are required to be reported to the FWP.
We are all responsible for keeping our watersheds and fisheries healthy!
Montana Grant
