MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho (KBOI) — Idaho Fish and Game announced Friday that crews have been working to kill off an invasive fish in a pond near the Mountain Home Air Force Base in order to restore bass and bluegill.
Airplanes have been swooping by the pond in Bruneau Dunes State Park attempting to fight the common carp, an invasive fish that has threatened the pond's ecosystem.
"Park managers understand the importance of the fishery, and Idaho State Parks has been a great partner and has (been) very supportive of the project," said Scott Stanton, a regional fishery biologist.
Fish and Game says a Nampa-based flying company has been spraying a "fish toxicant" called rotenone from two crop-duster planes. So far, it seems to be working.
"We can never guarantee a complete kill, but things look pretty good so far," said Doug Megargle, Magic Valley regional fishery manager.
Unfortunately, park managers say this same toxicant has been killing the remaining bluegill and bass as well. Although, they reported that most of the fish were undersized because the carp had been stunting their growth.
The pond should be habitable for fish in about a week or two after they finish removing the carp, according to Fish and Game crews.
They have stocked about 200 bass in a nearby pond that they plan on moving to the Bruneau Dunes Pond.
They expect the pond to be fully restored in three to five years. They are looking forward to the pond returning to a home for "abundant bluegill and trophy-sized largemouths."
You can read more about the process here.
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