Invasive fish found in community ponds in Three Forks and Livingston

BOZEMAN – Fisheries staff with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks confirmed recent reports of invasive fish in community ponds in Three Forks and Livingston.

FWP received two reports from anglers who observed northern pike in the Three Forks Ponds, which are less than a mile from the Madison River.

FWP also heard from anglers in late May who noticed bass in a pond in Livingston commonly known as the Sacajawea Lagoon, which is along Fleshman Creek adjacent to the Yellowstone River.

FWP staff sampled the pond on June 1 and caught three smallmouth bass and six largemouth bass.

While northern pike, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass are found in other areas of Montana, they are not native to the upper Missouri or upper Yellowstone river basins.

FWP is aware of introduced species in additional community ponds elsewhere, such as the River Rock Pond in Belgrade. In such cases, the fish were introduced illegally. 

State law prohibits transporting any live fish away from the body of water where it was taken, with only a few exceptions noted in fishing regulations. Landowners with private ponds or community ponds must obtain a license to stock fish, and only approved species may be used.

FWP relies on tips from the public about crimes against wildlife resources and state lands, including illegal fish introductions. Anyone with possible information is encouraged to visit here to provide details. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.