8 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout
To me, cutthroat trout are the most beautiful of our trout species. They are easily identified by a bright red/orange streak on the underside of their jaw. They are usually greenish on their backs, with spotting on the back half of the body. Westslope cutthroat trout are native to southwest Alberta and cold mountain streams are their preferred habitat. They are also often found in high mountain lakes. Cutthroat are particularly susceptible to the fly and in turn are favourite targets for fly fishermen. When hooked, cutthroat tend not to jump, but rather pull hard and head for the bottom. Cutthroat trout spawn in the spring, which can be as late as July in high mountain streams. Native populations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout are classified as At Risk in the current General Status of Alberta Wild Species report. Stocked populations of cutthroat are classified as Stable. Cutthroat trout spawn in the spring in creeks and rivers. Cutthroat trout can be found in the Castle and West Castle River drainages (including all tributaries), Upper Oldman River, Phillipps Lake, Emerald Lake, as well as in BC in the Elk River and Michel Creek drainages.
Rainbow trout are non-native and were introduced into southwest Alberta long ago and have now become the region’s go-to gamefish. Rainbows are the most commonly stocked species in southwest Alberta and many rivers and lakes now hold this outstanding trout. Rainbows vary from green to blue on their back and they can be heavily spotted over the entire body. Mature fish can also have a reddish streak along their sides, that when mixed with blue/green back and white belly gives the rainbow appearance. When hooked, rainbow trout often make spectacular jumps out of the water, many of which dislodge hooks, much to the chagrin of anglers. Rainbows spawn in the spring, and if in the same waters as cutthroat can interbreed, producing a cut-bow hybrid. Rainbow trout can be found in the Crowsnest River drainage, Crowsnest Lake, Oldman Reservoir, Oldman River, Racehorse Creek, Dutch Creek, Beauvais Lake, Lee Lake, Burmis Lake, Coleman Fish and Game Pond, Island Lake, Chinook Lake, and Window Mountain Lake.
Rainbow Trout
Bull Trout Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Bull trout are the official fish of Alberta and have the greatest range of any trout in Alberta and are found throughout the province. Unfortunately, native bull trout were severely overfished in the past and were extirpated from several watersheds. Regulations protecting the bull trout were put in place and their numbers seem to be recovering. Bull trout are also classified as Threatened under Alberta’s Wildlife Act and there is a zero possession limit on bull trout throughout the province. Bull trout are generally larger fish that often prey on smaller fish such as whitefish and trout. On several occasions I have been bringing in a trout or whitefish when Jaws, a large bull trout, will appear out of the depths and will attack the hooked fish. Once they latch on to the smaller fish, they seldom let go. A few times I have dragged a bull trout that wouldn’t let go of my whitefish out of a river and onto the bank. Bull trout are often found in large rivers, especially in deep pools. When hooked, bull trout don’t wiggle and jiggle as much as other trout, but use their brute strength to pull away. Often they will go into a roll tactic to try to get loose. Bull trout are long, slim fish, usually with a large head. Their back is olive green to grey and their silvery sides have pink or pale yellow spots. Bull trout spawn in the fall in small creeks. Bull trout can be found in the Castle and West Castle River watersheds, Mill Creek, Carbondale River and tributaries, Crowsnest River, Crowsnest Lake, Waterton Lakes as well as in the Elk River in BC.
Bull Trout
Fun Fish Facts
Fish are social and cooperative Fish feel pleasure, not just pain Fish have great memories Fish are smart and can learn Fish are flexible Fish are excellent communicators Fish can migrate extremely far distances Fish have exceptional sensory capabilities Fish are important to sustaining ecosystems
