New Report Reveals Highly Contaminated Fish in Montana

A new report about PFAS, or 'forever chemicals, ' found in wild-caught fish in Montana, is a warning for those who consume fish in the state.

A report recently released by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality is cause for concern. High levels of man-made PFAS have been detected in fish in certain rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in Montana. The highest levels were reported in Fort Peck, the East Gallatin River, the Missouri River, and the Clark Fork River.

PFAS refer to a group of thousands of man-made chemicals that have been produced since the 1940s. They have been widely used in industrial and consumer products because of their unique physical and chemical properties.

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According to a recent investigation conducted by Montana PBS, the report was completed in 2023, but wasn't released to the public until early 2026. If you're curious why Montana residents didn't hear about it sooner, Montana PBS says it was due to the Governor's office.

You can watch the video above and learn more about the investigation. They can explain it much better than I can. If fish caught in Montana can negatively impact our health and aren't safe to eat, we should know about it.

Many families in Montana rely on fish and wild game for food, and fishing is a huge part of the Montana lifestyle. Before you break out the filet knife and get excited about making dinner with the fish you caught, it's probably a good idea to check the report to find out whether or not it's safe to eat.