F&G Plans Treatment for Golden Shiners in Deer Creek Reservoir,

Golden shiners were recently discovered for a second time in Deer Creek Reservoir near Pierce. Because of the potential negative effect golden shiners can have on the fishery resources of Idaho, Fish and Game officials will treat the reservoir next month using the chemical rotenone, which selectively kills fish. Golden shiners pose a serious risk to our fishery resources because they eat the same small food items that trout and kokanee eat. If they escape downstream, they have the potential to compete with kokanee in Dworshak Reservoir. Any potential benefits they may provide as forage for predatory fish are far outweighed by fishery losses from competition with other fish that eat zooplankton. Deer Creek Reservoir was opened in 2004 and is managed as a trout fishery. It quickly gained a great reputation, with numerous trout caught between 14 to 18 inches and reports of fish up to 26 inches. Idaho Fish and Game originally documented the first illegal introduction of these baitfish into the reservoir in August 2006. It was speculated that they were either introduced by an angler illegally using live bait or intentionally by an individual attempting to provide forage for other fish. To prevent the spread of this unwanted invasive species, the reservoir was chemically treated that fall to remove the fish and prevent their spread into other waters. "The establishment of golden shiners in Deer Creek Reservoir will severely reduce the amount of trout the reservoir will produce, as well as the growth rate and size of those fish," regional fisheries biologist Robert Hand said. "More importantly, the persistence of golden shiners will provide a continual source for natural migration downstream to Dworshak Reservoir, and serve as a source for additional illegal introduction into other state waters." The penalty for illegally introducing fish in Idaho can be a lifetime revocation of fishing and hunting privileges and up to a $10,000 fine. In addition, violators could be charged for treatment costs if Fish and Game feels it is necessary. It cost about $60,000 to treat Deer Creek Reservoir last time. To help prevent future introductions, Fish and Game may employ techniques, such as impromptu checks of boat live wells and coolers and video surveillance. Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for the reservoir, effective from August 24 to September 18. The order eliminates bag limits and allows any kind of fishing techniques except for chemicals, poisons, explosives or electricity. Officials will lower the water level in the reservoir over the next few weeks to make sure no shiners escape over the spillway and to make sure rotenone does not get downstream when added to the reservoir. A second chemical, potassium permanganate, will be on hand to neutralize the rotenone in the event any of it accidently ends up below the reservoir. "We are disappointed in the loss of such a great fishery, but we will get the reservoir up and running again as quickly as possible next year," Hand said.