Lakers in Yellowstone

It has been said that Lake Trout or Mackinaw, a species of Char, “were discovered” by anglers in 1994.

However, this information does not necessarily mean that this is when the problem began.

“But since non-native lake trout were discovered in Yellowstone Lake by an angler in 1994, the famous cutthroat population has been threatened.”

Source: YellowstonePark.com

…and this

“Yellowstone Lake is home of the premier surviving inland cutthroat trout fishery in North America. This fishery is threatened with destruction by illegally introduced lake trout, which were discovered in 1994.”

Source: A Report To The Director of the National Park Service 1995

In fact, it could be said that The U. S. Bureau of Fisheries Department was responsible for the initial introduction of Lake Trout to Yellowstone Park (along with other non-indigenous species).

Additionally, DAWGS Member Leon Sanderson has this to say about the subject of Lake Trout on Yellowstone Lake:

Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake

“It is no mystery how the Lake Trout found it’s way to Yellowstone Park. The Bureau of Fisheries Department is the responsible party for the initial introduction of Lake Trout into Yellowstone Park (along with other non-indigenous species). Although there is no documentation to prove they planted the fish directly into Yellowstone Lake itself, they were responsible for the species finding a home in the two lakes closest to Yellowstone Lake. The practice of trapping bait fish has been wide spread, legal and used by sportsman (largely ice fisherman) for decades if not centuries. This practice spawns (no pun intended) the spread of fish species from one body of water to another. The dumping of bait “down the hole” at the end of the day or season is and was commonplace. That said, the issue of “who is responsible” is a moot point at this stage of the game.”

Sanderson continues, “The Lake Trout have thrived in Yellowstone Lake, feeding primarily on the native Cutthroat trout. The park service, TU and many other organizations have joined forces to find the best possible solution to this problem. After listening to Dave Sweet (Yellowstone Lake Special Project Manager, WY TU) give a presentation on the issue, I feel like there may be a glimmer of hope! Dubois Anglers and Wildlife Group (DAWGS) made a contribution to help purchase equipment for the research project. We encourage all join in and help the effort of finding a solution to this problem.”

Despite this argument as to who is to blame for the Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake, the fact remains that it is a problem.

In fact, if you would like to see how much of a problem it really is, please watch the full Save The Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Video Series Talk about a great presentation! If you ever wanted to learn more about the lake trout problem – these are the videos to see.

Of course the Lake Trout Battle has been waged for several years:

“Dr. Robert Gresswell of the USGS, with the support and encouragement of the fisheries team in Yellowstone, has launched a hydro-acoustic telemetry study on Yellowstone Lake. On this last Thursday the first of 140 hydro-acoustic tags were implanted in adult lake trout aboard the Sheepshead that were taken from the trap nets.”

Source: Wyoming Trout Unlimited

On March 5th, 2012, the Dubois Anglers and Wildlife Group will meet at the Headwaters to discuss the situation.

Many representatives for the Wyoming Game and Fish will be there, Trout Unlimited, DAWGS Members and more.

We hope you will be able to attend.

UPDATE: David Sweet, YL Project Manager, gave his presentation at the Headwaters about Saving The Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in Yellowstone Lake.

Dubois Anglers and Wildlife Group Members, representatives from the Wyoming Game and Fish, and other interested parties were in attendance.

Video of the entire presentation was taken and is now available for you to see. If you ever wanted to really know what is happening with the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in Yellowstone lake, were interested in what is being done – or are simply curious – you will want to watch these three videos

Click Here To Download the full-color YL Brochure. YES! I Want To Help SAVE The Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout! Please except my tax-deductible donation.