A remarkable conservation effort is underway in Utah, led by dedicated wildlife experts. Their mission? To safeguard and expand the population of the iconic Bonneville cutthroat trout, Utah's very own state fish. But here's where it gets controversial: these experts are taking on a challenging task, introducing these small trout into tiny creeks along the Wasatch Front, carrying heavy loads of fish and water up steep trails.
Imagine hiking up one of those rugged canyon trails, your backpack filled with not just snacks and water, but also a heavy-duty trash bag containing five to six gallons of water, weighing a whopping 60 pounds! That's the reality for biologists from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
In late October, these biologists released 2,258 tiny Bonneville cutthroat trout, each just over 3 inches long, into Beus Creek in Weber County. Matt McKell, a biologist with the division, explained the process: "We loaded fish and water into trash bags, placed them in backpacks, and used battery-powered aerators to keep the fish happy during our speedy hike up the trail."
But why go to such lengths for these small creeks? McKell believes that Beus Creek and others like it have the potential to support healthy trout populations. "Good habitat for trout includes clean, cold, well-oxygenated water and a reliable food source," he said.
Historically, larger rivers along the Wasatch Front, such as the Ogden, Weber, and Provo, were home to cutthroat trout. McKell speculates that Beus Creek was once connected to these larger rivers, providing a source of trout for its tributaries.
"The hatchery had some extra fish, and with recent changes in regulations, now was the perfect time to introduce them to Beus Creek," McKell explained. The small trout were carefully stocked throughout the creek, with a focus on areas upstream of a waterfall, ensuring access to prime habitat.
While fishing in Beus Creek may be challenging due to its dense vegetation, the primary goal is conservation. McKell expects the cutthroat population to thrive, reaching an average size of around 6 inches.
This conservation effort is inspired by the success stories of remnant populations of Bonneville and Lahontan cutthroat trout found in small creeks and streams in the Deep Creek and Pilot Peak Mountains. These discoveries not only saved but also bolstered the numbers and conservation efforts for these trout species.
"The Pilot Peak fish played a crucial role in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's propagation program to reestablish Lahontan cutthroat trout in Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River," McKell added.
Beus Creek is just one of several creeks along the Wasatch Front that has been stocked with small Bonneville trout as part of this conservation initiative. Similar efforts have been made in Davis County, with some creeks now supporting self-sustaining populations of Bonneville cutthroat trout.
McKell also mentioned plans to stock cutthroat trout in Burch Creek, a nearby canyon with a wild population of small rainbow trout.
The key question remains: Will these efforts to establish wild, self-sustaining populations of Utah's state fish in the steep creeks along the Wasatch Front be successful? Only time will tell, but the dedication of these wildlife experts gives us hope.
So, the next time you find yourself hiking along one of these beautiful small creeks, keep an eye out for a glimpse of a small, vibrant cutthroat trout. It just might be a sign that these conservation efforts are paying off.
