Game and Fish To Survey Public on Lake DeSmet Lake Trout Population

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is asking anglers to help shape the future of fishing at Lake DeSmet as lake trout numbers continue to increase. 

Sheridan Region Fisheries Supervisor Stephen Siddons told listeners of Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse Lake DeSmet is stocked with a diverse selection of sport fish such as rainbow trout, brown trout, yellow perch, kokanee salmon, cutthroat trout and illegally introduced Walleye. But the growing population of Lake Trout has the potential to negatively affect two populations; kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, through increasing competition and predation. 

S. Siddons 

Siddons said as the fisheries supervisor and an angler himself, the increase in lake trout population has been a frustration for the department. 

To find a solution, the Wyoming Game and Fish will soon begin public outreach and conduct a survey to gather input from the public on possible management options. 

S. Siddons 

Siddons said questions for the survey are being compiled, to ask the right questions to ensure as much public participation as possible. One idea that is currently being explored but would take some time to implement is increasing the limit of lake trout anglers can harvest to aid in reducing the competition and predation of other species. 

S. Siddons 

The survey is expected to be complete and ready to send to anglers who hold a Wyoming Game and Fish Department fishing license and an email attached to their department website login within the next few weeks. The effort is intended to help maintain a balanced fishery while preserving recreational opportunities at the popular Johnson County reservoir.