Comments on: Bonneville Cutthroat Spawning Runs Being Restored

By: Cutthroat Stalker (Scott)

Cutthroat Stalker (Scott) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:36:13 +0000

Good point Robert–regardless of the fishing, this is great news for the fish. I believe they have already started some of the work on the Idaho side at Fish Haven and maybe Bloomington (wish my memory was better).

By: Robert

Robert — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:56:00 +0000

I think you’re right. I know they have been working with the people who use the water for irrigation, thus the screening of the diversions. Those creeks are real brushy and hard to fish even if it was public. I know you like to bushwack a bit so some access would be nice. I think it’s just a good thing for the BLC and in the long run will help the hatchlings in the creeks return to the lake and keep the spawning runs going.
I think they are planning the same thing on the Idaho side of things. That side has a little more Forest Service property with access.

By: Cutthroat Stalker (Scott)

Cutthroat Stalker (Scott) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:02:26 +0000

Robert, We had a biologist visit our TU meeting in the spring and showed slides of work they have been doing around Bear Lake the last couple of years. It is definitely some exciting news. I’m hoping there will be a few spots for public access because most of the work is being done in cooperation with private property owners.

By: Robert

Robert — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:00:26 +0000

To me, this is great news. I actually knew it was in the works for a few years. Back when Bryce Neilsen was the head biologist, I had conversations with him about this very thing. Those streams used to be teaming with native cutts back in the 50′s. I wasn’t against them trapping and milking eggs and milt, but have always felt a percentage of the spawners should be placed above the diversion dams to do their yhing naturally. My other suggestion was to take a percentage of the hatchery raised cutts and place them in the streams too. I love those trout. Stream resident Bear Lake Cutts take on the colors of their environment and are as colorful as the Snake and Colorado cutts. I’m excited!