The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking information about the person or persons responsible for the illegal introduction of northern pike into Lake DeSmet near Buffalo.

A northern pike was discovered during annual fall netting surveys of the lake conducted by Sheridan Region fisheries biologists.

State law prohibits the transport of any live fish from the water of origin and no fish is allowed to be released alive into a water body without prior written approval from Game and Fish.

In Wyoming, outside the boundary of Keyhole State Park, northern pike are designated as a nongame fish with no limit and anglers must kill them immediately if caught. Anglers are asked to report any northern pike that are caught in Lake DeSmet to Sheridan Region Fisheries Supervisor Stephen Siddons at (307) 672-7418. Anglers are also asked to retain the carcass of any pike caught so fisheries biologists can collect biological data. 

It is unknown how many additional pike may be in DeSmet, but Game and Fish will continue to monitor for the species during annual netting operations. 

“Illegal fish introductions are selfish decisions that impact everybody using a shared public resource,” said Sheridan Region Fisheries Biologist Gordon Edwards.

Illegal fish stockings are a high misdemeanor punishable with up to one year in jail and fines up to $10,000. Violators may also face civil penalties covering the full cost of removing the illegally introduced species. In other areas of Wyoming where eradication of illegally introduced species has been necessary, costs have run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Anyone with information about the release of northern pike into Lake DeSmet is encouraged to contact the Game and Fish Department by calling the Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP.  A tip leading to a conviction may be eligible for a financial reward up to $5,000. Anyone reporting a tip can choose to remain anonymous.

-WGFD-