Lahontan cutthroat trout genetics expand conservation options

There’s a species extinction crisis happening right now, and that includes trout.

Extinction is evident across our landscapes thanks to things like habitat loss and disconnection, non-native species, and, of course, climate change.

One species threatened with extinction is the famed Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (LCT). Many anglers are familiar with this fish thanks to photos of the beasts that have recently been coming out of Pyramid Lake. Less well known are the other 70 or so stream populations across the range. These trout generally exist today in small, high mountain streams and range greatly in size, health and abundance in their habitats.

The fish has been listed on the Endangered Species list since the 1970s, and Trout Unlimited’s science team has been lending its hand to understand what factors are at play and realize the possibilities of restoring them and their habitat.