TRANSPORTING LIVE FISH ILLEGAL; G&F STEPPING UP ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION

7/9/2004

CASPER – Results of a June 27 check station at Glendo Reservoir has the Game and Fish Department reminding anglers their catch must be dead before leaving the lake, reservoir or stream where the fish were caught.

Four citations and two warnings were issued to anglers transporting walleye in live wells from Glendo Reservoir June 26.

Due to walleye and some other species being discovered in several trout waters the last few years, the G&F is stepping up enforcement of the regulation. It is also a violation to release fish in any water other than where caught or to stock fish without G&F authorization.

“As a pretty voracious predator, walleye have the ability to upset if not devastate the trout fishing in some waters,” said Paul Mavrakis, G&F fish biologist in Casper. “To help prevent more waters from getting either accidental or illicit walleye we’re trying to get the message out about this regulation.”

Granite Reservoir west of Cheyenne along with Lake DeSmet and Casper’s Yesness Pond are waters where unauthorized walleye have been discovered the last five years. Other recent disturbing discoveries were smallmouth bass in Sulphur Creek Reservoir and ling in Big Sandy Reservoir and the Green River.

Anyone with information about illegal fish stocking – no matter how long ago it happened – is urged to call the “Stop Poaching” Hotline at (800) 442-4331. Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible for cash reward if the information leads to a conviction.

-WGFD-