US Edition
Scientists suspect illegal brown trout introduction in Flathead River
FLATHEAD RIVER NEAR KALISPELL, MONTANA, JUL 14 – State officials suspect deliberate introduction of brown trout threatens native bull and cutthroat trout, urging anglers to report catches; only one brown trout found so far, FWP said.
- In early June 2025, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks verified that a brown trout, which is not native to the area, was found in the section of the Flathead River located above Evergreen.
- Officials suspect the fish was illegally introduced from another waterbody, recalling past brown trout established populations after hatchery leaks and stressing prevention.
- Brown trout threaten native species like bull trout and westslope cutthroat by preying on juveniles and competing for resources, often spawning in the fall within shared tributaries.
- FWP urges anglers to kill caught brown trout immediately and report catches with details to Region 1 office at 406-752-5501 to aid monitoring and control efforts.
- FWP is using environmental DNA analysis to detect the presence of brown trout and highlights that transporting live fish illegally can lead to penalties and must be avoided to safeguard native trout populations.
13 Articles
13 Articles
ABC FOX Montana
Non-native brown trout detected in Flathead River, FWP seeks additional information
State wildlife officials on Monday confirmed the presence of a non-native brown trout in the Flathead River basin, according to a press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. An angler caught a brown trout in the Flathead River upstream…
The Billings Gazette
Scientists suspect illegal brown trout introduction in Flathead River
A brown trout discovered June 9 has state biologists worried about potential impacts to native trout populations if the invasive fish get established.
Nonnative Brown Trout Found in Montana's Flathead River, Threatening Native Cutthroats
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has confirmed that a non-native brown trout has been caught in the Flathead River, which is one of the last strongholds for native westslope cutthroats. Because brown trout can outcompete the native fish for resources, the state is asking anglers to kill every brown trout caught in the watershed and to bring the fish to an FWP office, so they can study it. Click here for the full story on kpa The post Nonnati…
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