Northern pike were recently discovered in Lake Mary Ronan, raising concerns about impacts on the lake’s kokanee salmon and trout fishery.

Two pike were caught June 26 by an angler from Missoula who was trolling on the lake. The first fish was lost at the boat, but the angler took the second one to Camp Tuffit where he was staying.

The camp owner called Warden Ron Howell with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, who picked up the fish.

Howell noted these were the first pike to be detected in Lake Mary Ronan and it is assumed the fish originated from an illegal introduction.

Known as “bucket biology,” illegal introductions have caused problems in hundreds of waters across the state, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to rectify.

In most cases, illegal introductions cannot be undone and they often lead to lost fishing opportunities.

In this case, northern pike are highly predatory and could impact Lake Mary Ronan’s valuable salmon and trout fishery. Kokanee in the lake serve as the egg source for stocking other waters in Montana.

The release of live fish into any Montana pond, lake, stream or river without authorization is strictly illegal. Penalties can range from fines of $2,000 to $10,000, loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges, plus liability for costs incurred because of the violation.

Howell asks anyone with information about who introduced pike into Lake Mary Ronan to call 1-800-TIPMONT. Callers do not have to identify themselves and they may be eligible for a cash reward.

Anglers are asked to keep any further pike that are caught on Lake Mary Ronan or report pike sightings to Fish, Wildlife and Parks regional headquarters at 752-5501.