Illegally Stocked Walleye in Idaho Triggers Investigation

Walleye are a prized catch in lots of the waterways all through America, particularly within the Midwest. However discovering them within the 47-square mile Lake Cascade, Idaho, has state officers in a lather. An investigation is now underway into illegally-stocked walleyes within the lake.

Idaho Regional Fisheries Biologist Mike Thomas was just lately fishing whereas off obligation with one other angler, Chris Weber, when Weber landed an almost three-pound walleye. It’s the second walleye caught from Lake Cascade. One other angler caught a walleye in 2018 from the lake.

“Two experiences over a four-year span means walleyes might very effectively be established within the lake, however the truth that we haven’t encountered them throughout in depth fish inhabitants surveys or angler surveys means they’re seemingly not very considerable but,” stated Thomas to the AP. “Our fisheries program shall be shifting gears over the approaching weeks to attempt to decide the extent of their prevalence within the lake, and we’ll develop a game-plan for shifting ahead.”

Residents In opposition to Poaching is providing a money reward for details about the unlawful stocking of walleyes into Cascade. CAP is a nonprofit that works with Idaho Fish and Sport to reward individuals who report wildlife violations.

Idaho Regional Fisheries Supervisor Jordan Messner says the one manner for walleyes to have gotten into Cascade is by somebody illegally releasing the fish into the lake. Fisheries officers say walleyes are a non-native species to Cascade and probably might prey on different vital fish species akin to yellow perch. Not solely can this adversely influence Lake Cascade, however maybe different vital fisheries in waters akin to Brownlee, Oxbow, and Hells Canyon reservoirs. As is the case in lots of states, it’s unlawful to own, transport, or launch any stay fish into Idaho waters with out permission from the state fisheries division.

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Cascade is a well-liked Idaho fishing spot for perch anglers. In keeping with regional Fisheries Supervisor Joe Kozfkay, the lake has a restricted forage fish base akin to smelt, shad, or different small minnows. So walleyes within the lake might pose a predator drawback to perch and different native species.