Greenback cutthroat trout to receive added protection in Utah

What could be the first population of greenback cutthroat trout found in Utah will receive some added protection through a change to the state's fishing rules.

Division of Wildlife Resources Director Jim Karpowitz recently signed the emergency change. The change took effect May 1.

Effective May 1, Beaver Creek — a tributary to LaSal Creek in southeastern Utah — has been closed to the possession of cutthroat trout.

Anglers also will be restricted to fishing with flies and lures only.

"Trout were taken from Beaver Creek recently and genetically tested," says Roger Wilson, cold-water sport fisheries coordinator for the DWR. "The testing indicates this stream may contain a population of pure greenback cutthroat trout.

"Because greenbacks are currently listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, anglers may fish for them on a catch-and-release basis only."

Wilson says protecting this unique cutthroat trout population will give biologists more time to study it and develop a conservation plan.

For more information, call the Division of Wildlife Resources' Price office at 435-613-3700 or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at 801-538-4700.