Alberta’s native trout, and their Eastern Slopes habitats, are a huge part of what makes Alberta’s backcountry so incredible. The “big three” as we like to call them — Bull Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, and Athabasca Rainbow Trout — live in the cold, clean, clear, and connected waterways that Alberta is famous for. When these native trout are thriving, it shows that we’re taking good care of our lands and waters.
But Alberta’s native trout aren’t thriving. In fact, they’re some of the most threatened species in the province. This is not a good indicator for the health of our streams in the Eastern Slopes.
We all have a role to play in protecting Alberta’s native trout and their habitats. No matter how we use the land in the Eastern Slopes — camping, hiking, fishing, off-roading, farming, ranching — we have a responsibility to pursue our activities in ways that keep our waters cold, clean, clear, and connected. To find out how you can help protect Alberta native trout, visit albertanativetrout.com, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @abnativetrout.
Collaborating members include Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Conservation Association, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Southern Alberta Chapter, Cows and Fish, Trout Unlimited Canada, and Foothills Research Institute.
