02-07-2007, 06:07 PM
Any introductions of non-natives pose a serious threat on just about any body of water. Bear Lake is even more, due to it having 4 endemic species (found no where else in the world). Many of the fish were introductions. These include the perch, brown trout, tiger muskie, carp, etc. Lake trout and rainbows were stocked for close to 100 years and luckily have not done any serious damage to the fishery, nor are they likely too. Rainbows are not stocked anymore, but with the development of triploid (sterile) fish, they may not be written off entirely in the future. Smallmouth would probably not do well due to the cold temperatures of Bear Lake and minimal amount of rocky habitat. Walleye are another story. They have to potential to really have some negative impacts and I really hope they don't show up in Bear Lake.
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