Trout Fishing Tips

For eight years, conservation groups have been trying to get Colorado Cutthroat trout added to the Federal Endangered Species List in order to protect it from extinction. They believe the number of native Colorado Cutthroat trout have been greatly reduced as a result having to compete with the non-native rainbow trout.

However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has concluded that this is not the case. They actually found several new populations of Colorado Cutthroat trout, leading them to believe the fish is in no danger of becoming extinct, but still remains a concern.

The last time the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said, "no", conservationist sued them, which resulted in another investigation into the populations of Colorado Cutthroat trout. So it will be interesting to see what happens this time.

Colorado Cutthroat trout are one of only three native trout found in Colorado. They're also found in Wyoming and Utah.

These trout are a subspecies of Cutthroat trout, and are native to Colorado. They historically occupied portions of the Colorado River drainage in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico - hence earning them their name.

To read more about the Colorado Cutthroat trout and U.S. Fish and Wildlife studies, click here.

Labels: Colorado, Colorado Cutthroat Trout, Cutthroat Trout

Biologist have been watching the number of Yellowstone Cutthroat trout decrease for years, but each year the numbers are more alarming.

Yellowstone Cutthroat trout are a subspecies of Cutthroat trout and are native to Yellowstone Lake (where they get their name). Originally, they were found throughout northwest of Wyoming and sub-central Montana, but today 91% of the remaining trout are found in Yellowstone Lake and River.

Like other threatened trout species, hybridization and competition pose the biggest threat to Yellowstone Cutthroat trout - and Lake trout are believed to the major the culprit threatening the survival of these native Cutthroat trout.

Lake trout are not native to their area. They were first discovered in Yellowstone in 1994, although some believe they may have been there since 1989. Who brought them there is unknown - but authorities do believe that somebody planted Lake trout in Yellowstone illegally.

Despite the state's efforts to control Lake trout populations, these trout continue to populate at a high rate and thrive. This story offers further evidence of what can happen when non-native trout are introduced in other water systems, and why it can be a bad thing.

For more information about the problem and recovery effort for Yellowstone Cutthroat, click here.

Labels: Cutthroat Trout, hybridization, Lake Trout, Yellowstone Cutthroat trout

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout get their name from the lake they once resided in. Listed as Nevada's state fish, these cutthroat trout are native to tributaries in the eastern Sierra. But competition from rainbow, brook, and brown trout have replaced the Lahontan cutthroat in most of its native range. Lake trout have prevented Lahontan trout from thriving in Lake Tahoe.

Lahontan trout have a similar history to Eagle Lake trout. Both got their name from the lakes they resided in. Both lakes have a high alkaline concentration. Due to changing conditions which led to reduced populations, both trout were thought to be extinct for a while. The California Department of Fish and Game has taken steps to preserve both Lahontan and Eagle Lake trout.

The primary difference is that Eagle Lake trout are rainbows and Lahontan trout are cutthroats.

The Upper Truckee River was sterilized to remove brook trout which were competing with cutthroat trout for food and other resources. After the removal of brook trout, cutthroat trout were replanted in the river in an effort to restore them to their natural habitat and increase population. Today, the Upper Truckee River is one of 6 Heritage Trout waters offering folks a chance to catch Lahontan trout.

Other waters where you can catch Lahontan trout include:

• Heenan Lake
• East Walker River Wildlife Area
• Martis Lake
• Humboldt River
• Walker River
• Quinn River
• Pyramid Lake (which holds the record for largest Lahontan trout at 41 lbs!)
  
• Walker Lake
• Summit Lake
  
• East Fork Carson River
• McLeod Lake
  
• Crowley Lake
• Slinkard/Little Antelope Wildlife Area
• Pickel Meadow Wildlife Area
• Fremont Weir Wildlife Area

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout have also been introduced into Lake Lenore in Washington state.

Although Lahontan trout appear to be making a comeback, they're still listed as "threatened" under the Federal Endangered Species Act. As such, angling is still limited to 'catch and release' in most of these waters.

For more information, visit the Lahontan National Fish Hatchery web.

Labels: Cutthroat Trout, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, Lahontan trout

This weekend the Pyramid Lake Store will host its annual Lahontan Cutthroat trout fishing derby. The derby will begin on Friday and run through Sunday.

The cost is $25 and you can register until 12 p.m. on Sunday at the Lake Pyramid Store. You'll receive the official rules when you register.

Final derby weigh-ins will be held Sunday at 5 p.m.

There will be cash prizes for the heaviest fish (first place will get 50% of the entry fees; 2nd place will get 30% and 3rd place will receive 20%).

For more information call George or Carla Molino at the (775) 476-0555.
Pyramid Lake Store is located at 29555 Pyramid Hwy. in Suttcliffe, Nevada.

To learn more about Pyramid Lake, click here.

Labels: Cutthroat Trout, Fishing Derby, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, Pyramid Lake Derby