Live-net test fish are placed at strategic locations to monitor the progress and effectiveness of the toxicants. Lake treatments are done using an inflatable boat to apply enough chemical to the surface to treat the water. The chemical of choice was initially antimycin because of its effectiveness and rapid break down. Unfortunately, antimycin is no longer available for use. Rotenone is currently used in the chemical treatment process.
Rotenone is a naturally produced, biodegradable product obtained from the tropical cube root.
In the concentrations used, it is not harmful to plants, birds or mammals, including humans. Detoxification is by dilution and oxidation, or application of potassium permanganate. Restocking can be done by backpack, horse, llama, airplane or helicopter. Backwaters and side pools are sprayed by hand in conjunction with the stream treatment. To verify the effectiveness of a treatment, it is repeated to ensure that no fish remain.