Restoration through science-based collaboration: How research and management reversed declines of Idaho westslope cutthroat trout

Abstract

Westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi, WCT) were highly valued by Idaho’s Indigenous people and subsequent immigrants. Historically, WCT were extremely abundant, widely distributed, and the dominant trout in central and northern Idaho. Early 20th-century anglers enjoyed exceptional fishing; St. Joe River anglers reported WCT catches of 35 pounds in 1 hour! Despite restricted harvest and habitat protections since 1899, many Idaho WCT populations declined, primarily from habitat degradation and excessive harvest. By the 1960s, WCT in several major drainages were on the brink of collapse.

Citation

Thurow, Russ; Mallett, Jerry. 2022. Restoration through science-based collaboration: How research and management reversed declines of Idaho westslope cutthroat trout. Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), May 2022. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.