Yellowstone cutthroat trout are among the West’s most iconic native fish, but today they occupy just 43% of their historic stream habitat, with only a small fraction of those remaining populations considered secure.
Unlike introduced rainbow and brown trout, Yellowstone cutthroat evolved over thousands of years in the headwaters of the Yellowstone River Basin, perfectly adapted to its cold, high-elevation streams and seasonal flows. Their remarkable resilience through millennia of droughts, floods, wildfires and changing climates have made them a defining symbol of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Today, however, habitat fragmentation and competition from non-native fish present challenges unlike any Yellowstone cutthroat trout have faced before.
For decades, Trout Unlimited has worked alongside landowners, agencies and local communities to reconnect habitat, restore streamflows, remove barriers and reduce the threats posed by non-native fish so these remarkable trout can continue to thrive across the Yellowstone River Basin.
That work is led on the ground by River Champions like Ashley Brubaker, TU’s Upper Yellowstone and Shields project manager. From restoring spawning habitat and improving streamflows to increasing connectivity for migratory populations, Ashley’s and her colleagues’ work is helping ensure these native trout have a future. As she often reminds us, this is a fishery and species that people travel from around the world to experience and it’s our responsibility to protect it.
Every restoration project, every partnership and every mile of healthy streams helps secure the future of Yellowstone cutthroat trout for generations to come.
In a year where water is scarce and conservation efforts are needed more than ever, we’re proud to partner with Free Fly on this limited-edition Yellowstone Cutthroat trout hoodie with custom artwork from Ed Anderson.
Every purchase helps support Trout Unlimited’s work to conserve, protect and restore the rivers these fish call home, so you can wear your passion for wild places while making a lasting impact.
Protect Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Help us protect this beautiful native trout and expand its habitat with your purchase from Free Fly.