FWP probes crappie die-off at Bailey Reservoir

Special to the Havre Daily News

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are trying to determine the cause of a fish kill that occurred at Bailey Reservoir south of Havre. The fish kill was first reported June 6 and appears to be affecting only adult black crappie.

FWP fisheries crews responded immediately and observed 25 dead black crappie along the banks of the reservoir during a complete survey of the shoreline. At this time, it appears to be a species-specific fish kill that is targeting spawning-aged crappie.

Recent shoreline surveys suggest that younger-aged crappies, yellow perch and northern pike may be unaffected. However, the total effects of this fish kill will not be known until a full sampling of the reservoir occurs later in June.

June 7, a member of the FWP fish health crew from Great Falls reported to Bailey Reservoir and collected tissue samples from both black crappie and yellow perch. Several weeks are needed to obtain results from the lab.

“It is difficult to determine how many, or what percentage, of the black crappie population may have been affected,” said Cody Nagel, Havre-area fisheries biologist. “Black crappie are nearing the peak of their spawn, which is a high stress period for any fish species. Fish can have an increased vulnerability to parasites and other fish health-related issues during these high-stress activities.”

FWP will continue to monitor the fish population at the reservoir, and encourage the public to let the Department know of any additional problems.

As a precaution, FWP recommends to always thoroughly cook any fish that are harvested.

Questions or comments can be directed to biologist Cody Nagel at 65-6177.