KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) Thousands of dead fish are floating on Rogers Lake, west of Kalispell, and are washing up on its shores.

Lakeside property owner Tracy Schiess (SHEESS) thinks the state should lend a hand as she and her husband try to clean up the mess.

The shallow lake is the state's primary breeding ground for the arctic grayling. Biologists collect the eggs, raise the fry and distribute grayling to other waters around the state.

But Schiess thinks it might be time to reconsider that plan.

Arctic grayling are a cold-water fish, and this summer's relentless heat is warming the lake and killing the fish.

State fisheries biologist Tom Weaver concedes the point. But he says Fish, Wildlife and Parks doesn't have the staff to clean up the dead grayling.

And Weaver says designating and stocking a new brood lake will take time.

Information from: Missoulian, http://www.missoulian.com (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-25-07 1108CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list