Angler catches a 19-inch illegally stocked walleye in Lake Cascade
CASCADE, Idaho (CBS 2) — An angler fishing for smallmouth bass and perch on Lake Cascade caught something they shouldn't have -- a 19-inch adult walleye, which is not supposed to be in Lake Cascade.
Idaho Fish and Game says the fish was illegally stocked in the reservoir and it's the first-ever confirmed report of walleye in Lake Cascade.
“This illegal introduction was carefully thought out,” said Dale Allen, Idaho Fish and Game fisheries manager. “The closest walleye fishery is more than 200 miles from Cascade. To survive the extended transport time, this fish – and possibly others – would have required clean, cold, aerated water for a number of hours.”
Because of the stocking and threat walleye pose to other fish, a cash reward is now being offered for information related to the case.
“This incident is particularly disheartening for Cascade,” Allen said. “Fish and Game spent years rebuilding a world-class perch fishery, and the reservoir is also full of big trout and trophy smallmouth bass. Adding another top predator like walleye will almost certainly impact these other sport fish.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-632-5999.
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