Fish Kill Documented In The Redwater River

Fish, Wildlife & Parks fisheries staff recently investigated a report of a fish kill on the Redwater River east of Vida. According to the concerned landowner, “many fish of all sizes and species” were observed at Redwater Crossing and continued upstream approximately one mile.

Upon investigation, fisheries staff confirmed dead fish at the initial reported kill site. Species observed included walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, black bullhead, common carp, shorthead redhorse, freshwater drum, river carpsucker, smallmouth buffalo, many unidentifiable smaller fish, and crawfish.

“To see dead fish across this many species and sizes, especially those species that routinely tolerate poor water quality (common carp, black bullhead, channel catfish) is concerning and would suggest some sort of toxicant was present in the water” says fisheries biologist Jared Krebs.

Although the source of the fish kill was not determined, discussion with local landowners and decomposition rates of dead fish suggest the kill likely occurred July 30-31. High intensity rain events near the confluence of the Redwater River and East Fork of the Redwater River were documented July 29-30, and many of the dead fish at the initial kill site were found high above the stream bank in riparian vegetation.

During the investigation, live fish were observed upstream of Redwater Crossing approximately two river miles, and no dead fish were observed downstream at Nickwall Crossing, suggesting the event was intense but acute in nature.

Currently, there are no fish consumption advisories.

If members of the public have any information about the source of this kill, or have observed dead fish at other locations along the Redwater River, please call your local FWP office: Glasgow: 406-228-3700 Havre: 406-265-6177