
Home | Action Center | Tip lines | Experts | Spread the word | About | Contact Us
PENALTIES FOR STOCKING
Current penalties for those convicted of illegally stocking fish
Western North America |
|||
Jurisdiction |
Penalty
|
Prison Term
|
Loss of License
|
Canada* |
$100,000 |
1 year |
5 years |
Alaska |
$10,000 |
1 year |
varies |
Arizona |
$2,500 |
1 year |
5 years |
California** |
$1,000 |
6 months |
lifetime |
Colorado |
$68 |
none |
none |
Idaho |
$1,000 |
varies |
3 years |
Montana |
$5,000 |
1 year |
lifetime |
Nevada |
$500 |
6 months |
3 years |
New Mexico |
$500 |
6 months |
3 years |
Oregon |
$6,250 |
1 year |
2 years |
Utah |
$2,500 |
1 year |
varies |
Washingon |
$,5,000 |
1 year |
none |
Wyoming |
$1,000 |
6 months |
3 years |
Per a 2008 telephone survey of agency enforcement and fisheries personnel (B.M. Johnson, unpublished data). Note that intentional stocking may be found to be in violation of multiple laws and result in forfeitures, as well as higher penalties, and prison terms than those listed here. Further, perpetrators may be liable for mitigation costs which can easily run into the millions of dollars. All U.S. states listed are now members of the Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact which recognizes license revocations across member jurisdictions. |
|||
*Illegal fish stocking in Canada falls under the federal Fisheries Act **stocking invasive species (e.g., northern pike, carries a fine of up to $50,000) |
|||

This site produced by Dr. Brett Johnson, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Professor at Colorado State University.
Contents of this site are copyright © Brett Johnson. Noncommercial use of site materials (exclusive of any which
belong to others) is granted to all governmental agencies and registered nonprofit organizations.