08-04-2007, 01:28 AM
[black][size 3][/size][/black][size 3][black]Fine Spotted cutthroat and large spotted cutthroat are currently classified as one subspecies of cutthroat trout, the Yellowstone Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clarki). However, it has been argued the fine spotted cutthroat is a different subspecies. Genetically the fine spotted and larger spotted Yellowstone[/black][/size][size 3][black] cutthroat are very similar. Fine spotted cutthroat (aka Snake River Cutthroat) have been more successful maintaining a presence in there historic range than the large spotted cutthroat (more often referred to as the Yellowstone Cutthroat). I don't know the exact reason the F&G decided to plant Fine Spotted cutthroat on the upper Henry's Fork instead of the Henry's Lake variety of Yellowstone Cutthroat. I would guess that the F&G hope the fine spotted cutthroat will thrive where the Yellowstone cutthroat have failed. The F&G must also believe the fine spotted cutthroat was historically in that section of the Henry's Fork. You made me interested so I'm going to see if I can get answers from guys who should have an opinion (Jim Fredricks and Rob VanKirk)[/black][/size]
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[size 3][black]The Idaho F&G are trying to promote native strains of fish in historical habitat state wide. Over the last few years the F&G have really changed the way they manage cutthroats by restricting or eliminating harvest, encouraging anglers to keep non-native species (kill rainbows on South Fork), planting sterile fish (triploids, splake, etc) and planting cutthroat instead of rainbows in several places (Ririe Reservoir, Upper Henry's Fork and many others). [/black][/size]
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[size 3][black]There are many reasons the F&G want to promote native strains of cutthroat in historic waters. One very good reason is to keep the cutthroat off the endangered species list. Extreme environmentalists who do not approve of fishing have been pushing to get the Yellowstone[/black][/size][size 3][black] listed as an endangered species. If Yellowstone cutthroat is listed as an endangered species the "feds" would step in and manage historic Yellowstone cutthroat waters in Idaho[/black][/size][size 3][black], Montana[/black][/size][size 3][black], Wyoming[/black][/size][size 3][black] and Yellowstone Park[/black][/size][size 3][black]. Henry's Lake[/black][/size][size 3][black] could be severely affected by federal management. The big hybrids Henry's is known for would be no longer planted and the wild hybrid population would be severely reduced if not eliminated from Henry's. Brook trout would also no longer be planted in Henry's. It is also possible no fishing would be allowed at Henry's if the Feds thought the cutthroat in the lake were a high risk population. Fear of cutthroats being listed as an endangered species is also shared by irrigators and hydro power companies. That is why those with Pali
es Reservoir water rights are willing to alter flows coming out of Palies[/black][/size][size 3][black] in a way that benefits cutthroat.[/black][/size]
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[size 3][black]The Idaho F&G are trying to promote native strains of fish in historical habitat state wide. Over the last few years the F&G have really changed the way they manage cutthroats by restricting or eliminating harvest, encouraging anglers to keep non-native species (kill rainbows on South Fork), planting sterile fish (triploids, splake, etc) and planting cutthroat instead of rainbows in several places (Ririe Reservoir, Upper Henry's Fork and many others). [/black][/size]
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[size 3][black]There are many reasons the F&G want to promote native strains of cutthroat in historic waters. One very good reason is to keep the cutthroat off the endangered species list. Extreme environmentalists who do not approve of fishing have been pushing to get the Yellowstone[/black][/size][size 3][black] listed as an endangered species. If Yellowstone cutthroat is listed as an endangered species the "feds" would step in and manage historic Yellowstone cutthroat waters in Idaho[/black][/size][size 3][black], Montana[/black][/size][size 3][black], Wyoming[/black][/size][size 3][black] and Yellowstone Park[/black][/size][size 3][black]. Henry's Lake[/black][/size][size 3][black] could be severely affected by federal management. The big hybrids Henry's is known for would be no longer planted and the wild hybrid population would be severely reduced if not eliminated from Henry's. Brook trout would also no longer be planted in Henry's. It is also possible no fishing would be allowed at Henry's if the Feds thought the cutthroat in the lake were a high risk population. Fear of cutthroats being listed as an endangered species is also shared by irrigators and hydro power companies. That is why those with Pali
es Reservoir water rights are willing to alter flows coming out of Palies[/black][/size][size 3][black] in a way that benefits cutthroat.[/black][/size] [black][size 3] [/size][/black]
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