Bull Trout

The Bull Trout

Written By Noah Chiero

The bull trout, known as the Salvwlinus Confluentus, is part of the salmon family although looking very similar to a rainbow trout. The bull trout is a member of the salmon family and is known as char. They are located farther north than most groups of freshwater fish and survive very well in cold water. While lake trout are also species of the char, bull trout are able to exhibit difference body characteristics then lake trout and have different life history and behavior. Bull trout can be distinguished from trout and salmon by not having teeth on the roof of their mouth, having light colored spots on a dark background and the lack of sports of the dorsal fin. They also tend to have smaller scales then salmon and trout. At one point in time, bull trout’s and the Dolly Varden we considered the same species till Taxonomic work identified the bull trout and Dolly Varden different species. The bull trout’s diet is consists of mostly other fish. After spawning, young bull trout spend their time eating small aquatic vertebrae which consist of larvae. As the bull trout grows older, Time is spend hunting bigger species. Often bull trout will feed on sculpin, darters or other trout. Their

behavior also becomes more piscivorous as they grow older.

Geographic and Population Changes: The Bull Trout is mainly found in cold, clear waters in the high mountains and rivers of northwestern America. They can be found in Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Washington. A large population of bull trout’s exists east of the Continental Divide in Alberta due to having a perfect climate where they are able to sustain themselves. Bull trout have high demands for their Eco-system. They generally only live in water below 55F. They habitat includes clean gravel

beds, deep pools in the river and complex cover such as snags and cut banks. Some individual bull trout’s have been seen migrating from one coastal river to another by ocean which is truly amazing. Over the years, the bull trout has seen dramatic population changes in streams and rivers due to a variety of factors. One of the main reason the bull trout is considered threatened is competition from other exotic fish. Habitat destruction is also another main cause for the decline of the bull trout. The poorly designed logging road construction has caused water temperatures to elevate, loss of spawning gravel and loss of structure making it hard for the bull trout to reproduce. The dewatering of drain ditches during irrigation season also makes movement to and from spawning grounds difficult. 

Listing and Type of Listing: As of November 1999, the US Fish and Wildlife Service listed all bull trout within the United States as a Threatened Species on the Endangered Species Act of 1973. In 1999, a new listing was applied to bull trout in the Coastal- Puget Sound population group and all populations east of the continental divide in Montana. 

Cause of Listing and Main Threats to Continued Existence: The bull trout was listed as endangered on the Endangered Species Act due to habitat fragmentation and interaction with non-native species. Most habitat fragmentation is due to logging roads damaging spawning habitat. At the time of the listing, climate change was not taken into account but that has changed. Climate change studies and assessments have been done since then focusing of the effect climate is having on bull trout. Most biologists are worried about raising water temps making water unsuitable for bull trout to live in.  With raising global temps expected in coming years, the future for the bull trout does not look so bright. 

Description of Recovery Plan: The recovery plan for bull trout has a few main goals that are in place to stop declining species. The main goal of the recovery plan is to effectively manage and ameliorate primary threats. Since exotic fish are a main cause of declining populations, removable of this predictor number one. While it is important to take away exotic species, spreading awareness and working cooperatively with partners to implement the recovery plan is just as important. Raising awareness in other communities is vital to make sure these actions take place. In simple terms, the main goal of the recovery plan is to protect, restore, and maintain a suitable habitat that the bull trout is able to spawn in and grow in population. With current recovery actions taking place, Fish and Wildlife estimate 70 years for full recovery of the species in all recovery units.

Personal Action: The best action and person can talk to help the recovery of the bull trout is raising

awareness among their community. The more people hear about this issue, the more they will be willing to help. Other actions you can take is to have minimal contact with them especially when fishing. Catch and release of the bull trout is mandatory when fishing for other trout species which otherwise could result in a 200 fine. With the recovery plan in action and raising awareness among our communities, the bull trout has a good chance for full recovery. 

Reference

1. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Recovery Plan for the California Red-legged Frog

2. Bull Trout Facts: http://wwwhttp://www.atlanticpanic.com/species/view/bull-trout/.fws.gov/pacific/news/1997/btfacts.htm

3. More on Bull Trout: http://www.fws.gov/pacific/news/1997/btfacts.htm

4. http://unaccomplishedangler.com/2015/07/not-targeting-bull-trout-in-idaho/

5. https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsmtnprairie/sets/72157625590787796/

6. http://www.nativetroutflyfishing.com/bulltrout.htm