Illegal Fish Planting Threatens a Family-Friendly Montana Pond

A reward is offered for information on the presence of a predatory species that is a  serious threat to a pond’s trout fishery and fishing opportunities.

A RECENT CATCH SOUNDS THE ALARM

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that they are investigating the illegal introduction of a northern pike into Pine Grove Pond, a popular family fishing site in Kalispell.

FWP received a report of a pike caught at the pond in late fall, and biologists set lines to try and catch any possible pike this winter. One was caught on January 29.

SMALL POND, HUGE DANGER

Northern pike are non-native everywhere in Montana besides the Saskatchewan River drainage on the east side of Glacier National Park. All pike found west of the Continental Divide are the result of illegal introductions. In small waters like Pine Grove Pond, just a few pike can quickly wipe out a stocked fish population.

Pine Grove Pond is regularly stocked with rainbow and westslope cutthroat trout to promote recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for anglers, especially youth. The pond is isolated from nearby waterbodies, which means the pike was illegally introduced.

AN APPEAL FOR HELP

Anglers are asked to kill and submit any northern pike or other non-native fish species caught in Pine Grove to the Montana FWP Kalispell office. Pine Grove Pond is catch-and-release only for trout, except anglers 14 or younger may take 1 trout daily.

READ MORE: How UM Students Fueled a Resurgence in Hunting & Fishing Club

$3,500 IN REWARD MONEY

Anyone with possible information about the pike is encouraged to go to the Montana FWP 'TIPMONT" website to provide details. Reports can remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from FWP.

And, Flathead Valley Trout Unlimited has also pledged an additional $2,000 in reward money, and Flathead Wildlife, Inc., has pledged $500.