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Home , Cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus

BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT

The Bear is home to the Richfield 15 population size of Bonneville , including diverting Pocatello 84 Bonneville cutthroat trout 86 water for human use, which results in habitat loss for trout; con- Twin Falls ( clarkii utah), one Burley structing barriers that block the trout’s natural migration habits; of 14 known of allowing over-grazing of livestock near streams and , which cutthroat trout native to the Logan brings extra sediment to the water; and introducing non-native western United States. Most fish, which can prey on and cross-breed with the native fish.

Great common in Utah, the Bonnev- Salt Salt Lake City ille cutthroat trout is found in 80 Careful management of the species by state and federal agencies, many of the Great private partners, and Native American tribal governments has led Salt Lake, including those in to a promising outlook for this trout in some areas. Environmental laws and conservation programs focused on preserving the southern Idaho, Wyoming, 15 Price species have helped address impacts. For example, PacifiCorp’s and Nevada. About 14% of the Utah Bonneville cutthroat trout’s hydroelectric plants are required to take special actions to provide Richfield 70 historical habitat is in Idaho. minimum steam flows and funds to improve habitat and population recovery in its area of operation along the Bear River The Bonneville cutthroat Pioche in southeast Idaho. trout’s name comes from Cedar City Bonneville cutthroat trout range in ancient , a size, coloration, and markings Saint George 0 35 70 Miles depending on habitat. Lake-dwelling massive freshwater lake that (adfluvial, right) and river-dwelling was approximately the size of The historical range of the Bonneville specimens (fluvial, below) can be that covered cutthroat trout traverses three states. relatively large compared to portions of southern Idaho, northern Utah, and eastern Nevada -dwelling individuals (below). more than 8,000 years ago. Ancestors of modern-day Bonneville cutthroat trout lived in that lake. Today, the Bonneville cutthroat trout is distinguished from other trout by sparsely scattered Adult tributary large spots on its back and upper flanks, which may also exhibit 0 6 12 18 a slight pink color, especially during spawning. They also have a Inches distinctive red or bright orange “slash” along the lower jaw line. Images courtesy of Kirk Dahle, Although similar in appearance to , Bonneville (above) and Idaho cutthroat trout have larger spots. Department of Fish and Game (left). Bonneville cutthroat trout were an important source of food for Adult fluvial Native Americans and early Euro-American settlers and emi- This sign was erected by PacifiCorp to recognize our continued support for the grants along the western trails. Many human behaviors affect the conversation of this native trout species.