Rusty crayfish remain an issue in Torch Lake, hindering native species

ANTRIM COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — The invasive rusty crayfish continue to be an issue in Torch Lake.

The Torch Conservation Center said the invasive species from the Ohio River are aggressive invaders that eat native crayfish, other fish eggs and harm aquatic plants.

Torch Conservation Center Board Vice Chair Nancy Brown said rusty crayfish have been in the lake for years and continue to out-compete other species for their habitat and food sources.

“We are fairly certain that the rusty crayfish arrived in Torch Lake via bait buckets. So, people bring their bait from another state or region, then at the end of their fishing day, dump their bait,” Brown said. “That is a huge no-no for all lakes, and it’s actually against Michigan law.”

Rusty Crayfish continue to remain an issue in Torch Lake

Some ways to prevent more rusty crayfish from getting into the lake include:

Never dump bait into lakesClean off all boats/fishing materials