ODFW is looking for help as it battles an army of invasive goldfish at a lake in Eastern Oregon.
Mann Lake, on the eastern side of Steens Mountain, was famed for its crystal clear waters and large Lahontan cutthroat trout. But the trout fishery started going downhill about five years ago. ODFW Biologist Shannon Hurn thinks the goldfish were accidently released into the lake in 2001, probably from an angler who was using them as live bait.
Wildlife officials hoped the trout will gobble up all the goldfish. But that’s not how things are working out. Instead the trout are disappearing and fishermen are reeling in goldfish more than a foot long.
In August, ODFW plans to spread rotenone across Mann Lake to kill off the goldfish. This is the same chemical used at Diamond Lake a few years ago to get of the tui chub. But before doing that, the agency is asking for the public’s help in removing as many lahontan trout as possible. The trout will be held at a nearby pond until Mann Lake is safe enough for restocking – probably in late fall or early spring.
ODFW is holding a meeting on May 12 to explain the plan to the public. It starts 5:30 pm at the Oregon State Offices, 7809 W. Jackson, Suite 500, Burns.
If you want to volunteer for the trout round up, call Hurn at at the ODFW Hines office, 541-573-6582.
