News Release

Statement from Yellowstone National Park Lead Fisheries Biologist Todd Koel about Montana FWP’s announcement of the smallmouth bass found in the Gardner River, north of Yellowstone National Park

Smallmouth bass

USFWS / Eric Engbretson

News Release Date: March 9, 2022

Contact: Morgan Warthin, [phone]

“Smallmouth bass are an invasive predatory species that will threaten our wild and native trout populations if they become established in the upper Yellowstone River. Since anglers are highly effective at suppressing invasive fish in waters where they coexist with native species such as cutthroat trout, they will be required to kill and report any smallmouth bass caught in Yellowstone National Park when the fishing season opens Memorial Day weekend. Additionally, Yellowstone National Park and USGS biologists will be sampling the Gardner and Yellowstone rivers, upstream of where the invasive smallmouth bass was caught. Over the next few weeks, biologists will monitor these rivers closely to gauge the possible extent of the invasion. Our goal is to protect native fish populations and natural ecosystems. We will do everything in our power to prevent the establishment of smallmouth bass in the park and prevent them from preying on and displacing trout and other native fish.”

Background
 

• A photo of smallmouth bass can be found on Flickr.  
• Montana FWP news release issued March 9: Smallmouth Bass Found In Gardner River | Montana FWP (mt.gov)
• Prevent the spread of AIS in Yellowstone: Aquatic Invasive Species - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)