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Carp Extermination: Pond Reset for Bass and Bluegill
23 Oct
Summary
- Common carp infestation led to the removal of all fish in 2016.
- Rotenone treatment was applied via crop-duster planes.
- Surveys in July 2019 showed no carp and healthy restocking.
At Bruneau Dunes State Park, a 100-acre pond became overwhelmed by common carp, which reproduced rapidly and negatively impacted native bass and bluegill populations. In response, Idaho Fish and Game initiated a complete eradication and restocking program in October 2016. Rotenone, a fish toxin, was dispersed from crop-duster planes to eliminate all aquatic life, including the invasive carp and existing native fish. Some native fish were relocated prior to the treatment.
The pond was subsequently restocked, with 2,000 bluegill introduced in 2017 and 200 bass in 2018. A resurvey conducted in July 2019 indicated a significant recovery. Biologists observed no signs of carp, while the bluegill were healthy and spawning. Evidence of a re-establishing bass population was also noted, though the largest bass had not yet reached sizes seen prior to the carp infestation. This operation aimed to restore the fishery, with expectations for full recovery within three to five years.
