This is not the only incidence in the area involving illegally planted fish. A few years ago biologists discovered someone had put perch in Starvation. Also, someone moved largemouth bass to waters where they should not be.

Also, the DWR had to treat Sandwash Reservoir after it was found both smallmouth and largemouth bass had been illegally planted, threatening what had been an excellent trout fishery. It has also found smallmouth bass in the Green River, which could seriously impacts native fish populations.

"Unfortunately, when this happens, no one wins. It's very costly in both money and man-hours to try and correct or at least contain the problem. Hardest hit are the anglers. This is money that could be used to improve fishing, not correct a problem," said Johnson.

And the worst part about it is there's no way of stopping these people from doing it again. It's almost impossible to catch someone attempting to illegally plant fish.

A reward is being posted for information and the arrest of the person responsible.

The Utah Bass Federation has donated $1,000, Rocky Mountain Anglers $500 and the DWR an additional $1,000.

Anyone who has information about the illegal introduction of fish into Red Fleet Reservoir or any of Utah's fishing waters to call the Help Stop Poaching line at 1-800-662-3337.

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com