Colorado Greenback Cutthroat Trout

Once thought to be extinct, Colorado's famed greenback cutthroat trout is in the process of making a remarkable comeback. There are now over 50 waters along the Colorado Front Range where fishermen can experience the thrill of catching this beautiful fish. Colorado Greenback Cutthroat Trout: A Fisherman's Guide will tell you about the biology, history, and the amazing recovery of the greenback, along with information on where and how to catch this unique and colorful fish. The survival of the greenback cutthroat now hinges on the combined efforts of state and federal agencies, wildlife organizations, and the volunteer work of numerous fishermen and citizens. This book is dedicated to those individuals and organizations, and to the premise that wild native trout such as the greenback are more than worth all of our conservation efforts.

Cutthroat tells the full story of the genuine native trout of the American West. This new edition, thoroughly revised and updated after 20 years, synthesizes what is currently known about one of our most interesting and colorful fishes, includes much new information on its biology and ecology, asks how it has fared in the last century, and looks toward its future. In a passionate and accessibly written narrative, Patrick Trotter, fly fisher, environmental advocate, and science consultant, details the evolution, natural history, and conservation of each of the cutthroat's races and incorporates more personal reflections on the ecology and environmental history of the West's river ecosystems. The bibliography now includes what may be the most comprehensive and complete set of references available anywhere on the cutthroat trout. Written for anglers, nature lovers, environmentalists, and students, and featuring vibrant original illustrations by Joseph Tomelleri, this is an essential reference for anyone who wants to learn more about this remarkable, beautiful, and fragile western native.

Discusses taxonomy, reasons for decline, life history and ecology, and suggestions for preservation and management of six closely related trouts native to western North America: Colorado River cutthroat, Salmo clarki pleuriticus; greenback trout, S. c. stomias; Lahontan cutthroat, S. c. henshawi; Paiute trout, S. c. seleniris; Gila trout, S. gilae; and Arizona native trout, S. apache. Meristic characters, distribution and status, habitat requirements and limiting factors, protective measures, and management recommendations are presented for each taxon.