Reward grows over illegal fish introductions

Spurred by the discovery of walleyes in Swan Lake, the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana has pledged an additional $5,000 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of people illegally introducing fish in Montana waters.

In a statement on behalf of the association, Executive Director Robin Cunningham said, “We join with other conservation groups who have pledged cash rewards in order to prevent degradation of our famous fisheries.”

The contribution brings the total reward offered for information leading to the successful prosecution of a person illegally introducing fish into any Montana water to $19,250.

Other groups contributing include the Invasive Species Action Network, Montana BASS Nation, Montana Pikemasters, Montana Trout Unlimited, Montana Wildlife Federation, Walleyes Forever of Montana and Walleyes Unlimited.

The contributions supplement the cash reward of up to $1,000 made available by the state’s 1-800-TIP-MONT violation report line.

Montana Trout Unlimited has offered an additional reward of $10,000 for the successful prosecution of people who illegally introduced walleyes into Swan Lake and Noxon Rapids Reservoir or smallmouth bass into Seeley Lake.

The discovery of walleyes in Swan Lake last October is the latest in over 600 illegal introductions that have been documented in Montana.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Jeff Hagener thanked all the groups that have stepped up to help address the issue of illegal introductions. Hagener also asked the public to join the effort by reporting any activity that suggests someone might be illegally dumping fish to the TIP-MONT hot line.

“We have one of the most special fisheries resource on the continent and illegal introductions not only ruin the water where they occur but also in some instances expand to other waters as many of Montana’s waters are connected”, Hagener said.