Friday, May 23, 2025
50.0°F

With native fish declining in Swan Lake, state wildlife officials target invasive trout

by KATE HESTON
Daily Inter Lake | January 7, 2024 12:00 AM

Hoping to preserve dwindling native bull trout populations, state wildlife officials are looking to remove lake trout from Swan Lake.

“There’s a sense of urgency to do something before it's too late,” said Leo Rosenthal, a fisheries management biologist with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Region 1.

Bull trout, which are native to the valley, have struggled since the introduction of invasive species like lake trout, rainbow trout and mysis shrimp in the region. The decision to develop a plan to remove lake trout came after state biologists observed a historically low number of bull trout redds, or spawning nests, in the Swan’s watershed system in 2023. 

Support Local News

You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.

Already a subscriber? Login

Daily Inter Lake - everything
Print delivery, e-edition and unlimited website access
  • $26.24 per month
Buy
Daily Inter Lake - unlimited website access

  • $9.95 per month
Buy
CLICK HERE FOR E-EDITION OPTION, $16.10 PER MONTH