Trout Fishing Tips

Come July 15th, the famous spring creek stretch of the Yellowstone River will be officially open for trout fishing!

Yellowstone River is home to the famous Yellowstone Cutthroat trout. Unfortunately, these trout populations have been declining due to competition from Lake trout (which are not native to the river).

There are some fishing regulations you should be aware of. Fishing tackle must be non-toxic (this means lead split-shot sinkers, soft lead-weighted ribbon for nymph fishing and other toxic tackle are not allowed).

A special fishing permit is needed to fish in Yellowstone Park. Current fees are $15 for a 3-day pass; $20 for seven days, or $35 for a season permit. You can purchase this permit at a ranger station, visitor center or at any Yellowstone General Store. As always, fees are subject to change without notice.

A Wyoming fishing license is required for fishing in the Grand Teton Park and Rockefeller Memorial Parkway. These licenses can be purchased at Moose Village Store, Signal Mountain Lodge, Colter Bay Marina and Flagg Ranch Village.

Good luck fishing!

Labels: Yellowstone Cutthroat trout, Yellowstone River

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

Like other states, Montana considers it's Yellowstone Cutthroat trout to be of special concern - and due to last summer's Derby fire, the concern has just risen. Ash from the fire has contaminated two streams and threaten Yellowstone Cutthroat trout that live in it.

To mitigate the problem, Montana is preparing to move these trout out of the contaminated streams and into new streams before winter sets in. Moving fish always presents some risk - but if all goes well, these fish have a chance of surviving.

Although decreased populations exist, Yellowstone Cutthroat can still be found in Utah, Nevada, Montana, and Wyoming. Like Bull trout, these fish also require very clean and cold (39-59 degrees Fahrenheit) water to survive. They're very sensitive to sediments in their habitat. Preserving these fish has become a prime concern in many states.

Historically, Yellowstone Cutthroat trout were thought to inhabit much of the Yellowstone River basins. But over the years, there has been a decline in the number of these trout. Hybridization and other environmental factors are to blame.

Cutthroat trout are distinguished from other trout by the red slash marks under the lower jaw. Yellowstone Cutthroat trout are distinguished by other Cutthroat trout by the medium-large black spots on the hind end and the drab brownish, yellowish, or silvery coloration with bright colors usually absent in mature fish.

Yellow Cutthroat trout generally spawn in the Spring and early Summer.

Labels: Yellowstone Cutthroat trout