New Funding Boosts Utah’s Cutthroat Trout Conservation Efforts

Five new conservation projects aimed at strengthening Utah’s native cutthroat trout populations have been selected for funding this year through the Utah Cutthroat Slam, a popular fishing challenge that channels angler enthusiasm directly into on-the-ground restoration work.

The projects were chosen by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah Trout Unlimited, the partners that launched the slam in April 2016. The challenge invites anglers to catch each of Utah’s four native cutthroat trout subspecies in their historic ranges. Of the $20 registration fee, roughly $19 goes straight to conservation efforts benefiting the fish.

Five Projects To Receive $5,000

Each of the five selected projects will receive approximately $5,000. In the middle Sevier River watershed, eDNA sampling on Fish and Clear creeks will help identify the source of invasive trout, improving the odds of successful future restoration. On Clear Creek, beavers that are creating habitat conflicts lower in the drainage will be relocated to headwaters areas where their dam-building can restore water tables, reconnect floodplains and enhance habitat for cutthroat trout.

In Silver Creek, aquatic sampling before and after the removal of mine tailings will measure stream recovery, with young aquatic insects serving as key indicators of improving water quality. At North Eden Creek, a Utah Trout Unlimited intern will help operate a fish trap to monitor spawning use of a newly completed fish passage for Bear Lake cutthroat trout, alongside planting wetland-friendly vegetation and building additional restoration structures. Another project will fund improved signage in the Bear River drainage to educate visitors about Bear River cutthroat trout and ongoing restoration work.

“In the last 30 years, we have increased the range of each of our native cutthroat trout subspecies, and we’re working to stabilize the species throughout the state into the future,” DWR Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said in a press release. “The Utah Cutthroat Slam is vital in funding important projects that continue our restoration efforts for cutthroat trout. Anglers should consider participating in this fun challenge because their registration fee goes directly toward the conservation of cutthroat trout and helps us create better angling opportunities for this important species throughout Utah.”

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To date, 5,885 anglers have registered for the slam, generating more than $130,660 for restoration and outreach. Of those, 2,110 have completed the challenge, earning a certificate and the option of a commemorative medallion highlighting one of Utah’s native cutthroat subspecies.

“The success of the Utah Cutthroat Slam is truly a testament to the partnership between our organizations,” Trout Unlimited Utah Director Jordan Nielson said in the same press release. “The money generated through this program helps fund important conservation projects that directly benefit native cutthroat trout and promote fishing and conservation. We are so excited to see this program continue to grow and help with cutthroat trout restoration in Utah.”

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Anglers interested in joining the challenge can register online or visit the Utah Cutthroat Slam booth at the Wasatch Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo, scheduled for April 10-11 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.