East Fork Reservoir Smallmouth Bass Introduction EA

Name of the drainage where the pond would be located: 

East Fork Reservoir is located near the headwaters of Beaver Creek (Hill County), a tributary to the Milk River.   
 

Fish species proposed for introduction: 

Smallmouth bass, the introduced bass would be captured from existing populations located in downstream reservoirs and transferred to East Fork Reservoir.  

Is this species legally present in the drainage?    

Smallmouth bass were legally stocked during the 1990’s into two reservoirs located downstream of East Fork Reservoir, Beaver Creek Reservoir and Bearpaw Lake. Currently, self-sustaining populations of smallmouth bass remain in each reservoir. 

 

Species of Special Concern present in the drainage and associated risks: 

Sauger, Iowa Darter and Northern Redbelly Dace are known species of special concern present in the drainage, with their presence limited to lower sections of Beaver Creek near the confluence with the Milk River. Associated risks to species of special concern are considered minimal. The proposed species is present throughout the Milk River drainage below Fresno Dam and the proposed introduction would not result in cumulative impacts or be considered a new introduction. 

 

Related Documents

• East Fork Reservoir Smallmouth Bass Introducation Environmental Assessment (PDF)

 

Public Comment Opportunity

Deadline: Comments will be accepted until July 17, 2022 

Submit comments by mail:   

Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 
Attn: East Fork Reservoir Smallmouth Bass Introduction 
2165 HWY 2 E 
Havre, MT 59501 

Or email: cnagel@mt.gov