Illegal fish transportation found in Thompson Falls

THOMPSON FALLS – A few instances of the illegal transportation of live fish by anglers have been discovered outside of Thompson Falls.

According to Kenneth Breidinger, a fisheries biologist for Region One, three cases of illegal live fish transportation were discovered recently in Thompson Falls.

The transportation of live fish is illegal in Montana’s western and central fishing districts.

The Fish Wildlife and Parks watercraft inspection station in Thompson Falls is located on Highway 200 about a mile west of the city at the town’s fire station.

The station also checks to ensure boats passing through Sanders County aren’t unknowingly transplanting other invasive aquatic species, such as Eurasian Watermilfoil.    

Troy Hinck, Region One game warden, noted the potentially dangerous implications of transporting fish species from one area to another.

The danger is increased if the fish being transported has the potential to be an invasive species.

“Introduction of a fish species to a new area really causes changes throughout the entire ecosystem,” Hinck said.

According to Hinck, the transportation of aquatic invasive species falls under the jurisdiction of the Montana Code and is punishable by a fine.

Hinck said the fines normally run from $135 to $735, depending on the circumstances and severity of the instance.

The warden noted the transportation of a very large number of fish from one area to another could result in a felony charge.

Though the transportation of any invasive species has a detrimental effect on the environment and local ecosystems Hinck said warm water fish species could create several problems if they were transported and introduced to a new habitat.  

“Introducing perch to a reservoir environment would change the dynamics of the area,” Hinck said.

A major concern regarding the transportation of live fish species is the detrimental effect these actions can have on the prized sports fisheries of western Montana.

Breidinger said these illegal introductions could result in low quality fisheries, something the FWP is working hard to prevent.

“There is a huge problem with illegal introductions. It is a huge threat to fisheries,” Breidinger said.

Though there were only three instances of illegal transportation found in Thompson Falls, 58 instances have been reported across the state in the past weeks.

In addition to Thompson Falls, violations have occurred in Coram, Ronan, Wolf Creek and Hardin.

Hinck said the issue is attracting more interest within the state agency and he has been working to prevent the spread of these fish.

“I have issued citations for people taking fish away from bodies of water,” Hinck said.

According to the FWP website, aquatic invasive species are organisms brought into Montana from other places. The species include clams, fish, mussels, plants, weeds and aquatic disease-causing pathogens.

The website states these species including the sport fish recently discovered at the Thompson Falls check station can overwhelm lakes and rivers, killing fish and plants, and damaging the delicate ecosystem.

The invasive species harms both recreational and agricultural resources across the state.  

In an effort to limit the spread of AIS FWP has some guidelines for boaters and anglers to follow.

FWP urges them to inspect, clean and dry their equipment before moving away from a water location.

The agency’s website states the cleaning process is extremely important and the state agency urges outdoor recreationists to completely remove all mud, water and vegetation they find. Boaters should use a pressurized power sprayer to do the job. Soap and chemicals are not needed, as hot water will take care of any aquatic hitchhikers.