Colorado Works To Curb 'Bucket Biologists'
DENVER (AP) - Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are seeking anglers' help in protecting fisheries from being stocked with species that don't belong there.
Wildlife officials say some so-called "bucket biologists" have illegally moved fish such as smallmouth bass, walleye and northern pike into Colorado reservoirs, perhaps so their favorite species are in their preferred fishing spots. The predator fish are now competing with trout and kokanee, which can affect recreational fishing but also threaten native fish downstream in the Colorado and San Juan rivers.
People caught illegally moving fish face up to a $5,000 fine and the loss of hunting and fishing privileges. They also could be liable for the costs of removing illegally stocked fish.
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