Fish return to Saratoga Lake

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Stay up to date Saratoga Lake management

In 2021 the Wyoming Game and Fish Department discovered yellow perch in Saratoga Lake. Yellow perch are not native to the upper North Platte River watershed, and their presence in Saratoga Lake is the result of an illegal stocking. The department takes illegal introductions seriously because of the potentially detrimental impacts to Wyoming’s natural resources.

Saratoga Lake is managed as a trout fishery and is not stocked with any cool- or warm-water fish, including yellow perch. Yellow perch could escape Saratoga Lake and make their way into the upper reaches of the North Platte River drainage. They are likely to disperse downstream to other waters in the watershed – including Seminoe, Pathfinder, Alcova, and Gray Reef reservoirs, and the Sweetwater and Medicine Bow rivers – where they could do irreparable damage to the sport fisheries and native fish species. 

Game and Fish is currently assessing the response at Saratoga Lake. The department has cut off the fresh water flow to the lake to prevent yellow perch from moving into the North Platte drainage. Check back frequently for updates on how Game and Fish is addressing the illegal introduction.


To submit information, contact the Stop Poaching Hotline at (1-877-WGFD-TIP). Anglers can further help by reporting any tips or information about this illegal stocking at Saratoga Lake.

 
A reward is available and your identity will remain confidential. Illegal fish stockings are a high misdemeanor punishable with up to one year in jail and fines up to $10,000.   

 

Public Meetings

 


Game and Fish Laramie Region fisheries managers will discuss the history of Saratoga Lake management. Game and Fish will also discuss the plan to kill all of the fish in Saratoga Lake using rotenone in September. The public will also learn about the reasons why a rotenone project is a necessary management action and how it will give fisheries managers an opportunity to rebuild and improve the Saratoga Lake fishery.

The State of Wyoming supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Anyone needing auxiliary aids should contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at 307-777-4501. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations.
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