Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
(Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri)
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Most remaining indigenous populations
in Montana inhabit Yellowstone
headwater streams, though the Yellowstone
River mainstem also supports Yellowstone
cutthroat trout. In addition, over 100 lakes
now support genetically pure Yellowstone
cutthroat trout. Yellowstone cutthroat trout
inhabit relatively clear, cold streams, rivers,
and lakes. Conservation concerns include:
persistence of non-native fi sh; widespread
stocking of non-indigenous populations of
yellowstone cutthroat trout; susceptibility to
whirling disease; and tributary dewatering
by unsustainable irrigation practices.
Conservation strategies include: continuing
harvest management of non-native trout;
decreasing genetic homogenization of
yellowstone cutthroat trout; increasing
funding for studying water disease;
and decreasing channels and irrigation
development.
