Idaho Puzzled By Dying Fish

Idaho Fish and Game is seeking help from river users in the South Fork and main Snake River basins.  Over the past few weeks, biologists have documented dead mountain whitefish on the South Fork and main stem of the Snake River, and have received similar reports of dead whitefish on the Teton and North Fork Salmon Rivers.  As yet, the cause of the kill is unknown.  Regional Fisheries Manager Dan Garren says it’s particularly interesting that whatever is going on is affecting only whitefish, and not trout.  It also appears to be mostly affecting the younger fish, generally those less than 10”.  Fish and Game has sent numerous samples of dead/dying whitefish to the Eagle Fish Health Lab for analysis, and hopes to have results of those in the near future.  Anglers are being asked to keep an eye out for additional dead fish, and to report their findings to state fish and game officials at 208-525-7290.