Has stocking of hatchery rainbow trout in the Great Basin diluted the native redband trout?
There has been stocking of hatchery rainbow trout in the Great Basin. Currently no running waters are stocked with hatchery rainbow trout. Only some ponds, reservoirs and lakes are currently stocked. Genetic investigations have shown that there are some hybrids of native redband and hatchery rainbow trout in the Great Basin but this appears to be quite limited in distribution. Despite the extensive stocking in the past, hatchery rainbow trout do not appear to survive the harsh climate in the Great Basin, so few areas have hybrid fish. 15. What can I do to help Great Basin redband trout? Redband trout need good aquatic habitat. This means very little silt in the water, cool temperatures, lots of rock or wood structure creating a complex stream habitat, and all the benefits of natural, well-vegetated stream side areas. Redband trout also need to have clear passage routes to spawning areas in tributary streams. Culverts, diversions and irrigation weirs can create impassable barriers. Ladd
