Brown Trout detected in the Upper Flathead Drainage

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 1 has confirmed the presence of non-native brown trout in Ashley Lake, located within the upper Flathead drainage north of the Flathead Indian Reservation, according to a press release from the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Natural Resource Department. 

CSKT and FWP are asking anglers to help prevent Brown Trout from becoming established and spreading throughout the Flathead drainage. 

Brown trout are a non-native predatory fish that can compete with and prey upon native fish species. Early detection is critical to preventing their establishment in the Flathead drainage

If you catch a Brown Trout upstream of SKQ Dam, please do not release it. Instead, report your catch and turn the fish in to either the CSKT Fisheries Program or FWP Region 1. The location where the fish was caught is critical for tracking and monitoring the spread of this non-native species.

It is illegal to transport live fish from one body of water to another in Montana or within the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Brown Trout can be turned in at either of the following locations:

CSKT Fisheries Program 

408 6th Ave. East, Polson - (406) 883-2888

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 

490 North Meridian Rd., Kalispell - (406) 752-5501