Greenback Cutthroat Trout

Greenback Cutthroat Trout. Bear Creek's "Comeback Kid". Bear Creek is a small tributary of the Arkansas River west of Colorado Springs. It might be unremarkable - just another cold, clear stream among countless streams that carry water down Colorado's mountainsides- but it is important because of one of its inhabitants. In 2012, it was determined that the only pure greenback cutthroat trout population resided in Bear Creek. Researchers believe it was stocked in the small creek in the early 1880s, perhaps by Joseph C. Jones. , In 1873, Jones had a grand plan to build a hotel and restaurant along Bear Creek and a popular trail that leads to the summit of Pikes Peak. It wasn't until more than a century later, in 1994, that Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Forest Service biologists identified the rare fish, distinctive because of its larger black spots and its color that changes to match its environment. Recovery of the species is underway in the South Platte watershed with several populations already back in their native, range. The genetic diversity of the Bear Creek population is vital to the recovery of this species., (Left side) Pike's Peak Granite , The coarse gravel that crunches underfoot and lines the banks and bottom of Bear Creek is decomposed Pikes Peak granite. The crumbly granite is made of quartz, feldspar and flakes of mica. The granite makes up the monolithic Pikes Peak; in its fragmented form, it becomes one of the most significant threats to this rare trout. While the stream can flush a natural level of decomposed granite when excess sediment from road and trails enter the stream the channel is made shallower. The trout needs at least a foot of water to survive during the winter when the stream surface freezes and during drier periods of summer. The sharp edges of the granite also make life difficult for the plants that are at the base of the food chain for the trout., (Lower left) Habitat , The ideal environment for the cutthroat is a cold, clear stream with a gravel bottom, well-oxygenated water, with a healthy riparian (wetlands) area at the border to support plant and insect growth. Natural barriers and cover, such as waterfalls, overhanging trees and bankside roots, can help protect the cutthroat from predators and other non-native trout species.", (upper right) Size , The cutthroat trout aduIts found in Bear Creek range from 5 to 10 inches long. In a more fertile environment, this species could grow to 18 inches., Diet , Aquatic and terrestrial insects, worms, snails, shrimp and small fish, Appearance , The Greenback Cutthroat species has larger and fewer black spots than other trout lineages. Its color has adapted to camouflage them in their environment, (Lower right) Habitat Improvements , .Reduce the width of the trail and increase the vegetative buffer between Bear Creek and High Drive. .Improve the drainage system along High Drive to capture sediment before entering Bear Creek, allowing for clean storm water discharge into the creek. .Addition of natural sediment basins uphill of Bear Creek to controland reduce the amount of sediment entering Bear Creek. .Improve and restore habitat in Bear Creek. .Removing sediment from pools and providing natural barriers and cover for improved habitat., (Center left) Greenback cutthroat trout females do not reproduce until three years old. , (Center right) Two crimson colored strips are on the throat and may extend across the belly during the spring spawning season. , (Center upper right) Oncorhynchus clarkii stomias , (center) Copyright: Joseph R. Tomeleri , (photo caption bottom center) Photo courtesy Pike's Peak chapter of Trout Unlimited , (Photo center right middle) Be sure to pick up a list of Scavenger Hunt. Clues at the Old Colorado City Public Library on the North West corner of this park to learn more about the greenback cutthroat trout.