Better Science, Better Management
SAVE WILD TROUT — before it’s too late
Save Wild Trout (SWT) runs the most comprehensive water quality monitoring program in southwest Montana, filling a critical data gap in understanding what’s happening to our rivers and fish throughout the Jefferson River Basin: Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby, Jefferson, Boulder Rivers.
Collecting parameters of river health that impact both the fish and the bugs that they eat, the goal is to protect wild trout and healthy rivers by developing science-based solutions that address cold-water fishery declines. SWT provides state agencies, resource managers, researchers, and restoration experts with the best-available water quality data that up until now, has been missing.
Good science is needed to track emerging issues, prioritize efforts, and make well-informed management decisions to steward these resources for future generations. Your support here helps us do just that.
save wild trout releases first-of-its-kind report on jefferson river basin
Ground zero: Southwest Montana
The Issue:
Montana is a headwaters state renowned for world-class wild trout fisheries. But since 2023, Reports from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) confirm what anglers have suspected: Wild trout populations are struggling, dropping to historic lows in some places, while observed aquatic insect hatches have diminished.
Southwest Montana is currently ground zero, but these problems affect and are relevant to all of us that care about & depend on coldwater fisheries for livelihoods and enjoyment.
Our rivers face:
Unstable snowpacks & dewatered streams
Eutrophication & algal blooms
Warming water temperatures
Under-studied disease & mortality
Rising development & recreation pressure
The loss of wild trout populations in SW Montana will have severe social, ecological, and economic impacts. These cold-water fisheries are part of our outdoors heritage and way of life. Montana is rightfully a world-class destination because of our wild trout fisheries and iconic rivers. The outdoor economy generates $7.1 billion in economic activity and supports 71,000 jobs. In Beaverhead County alone, fly fishing, hunting and the outdoor economy generates more than $167 million each year while supporting over 1,400 jobs.
The collapse of SW Montana’s wild trout populations is our canary in the coal mine moment. When they struggle, entire watersheds — and communities — are at risk.
In this way, Ecology is Economy
It’s time to identify key causes behind this region’s population collapse, to think outside-the-box, and to ensure we quickly implement targeted solutions critical to restoring and protecting SW Montana’s cold-water fisheries.
It’s time to organize and stand up for wild trout.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER. We’ll keep you in the loop on our projects and meaningful opportunities to raise your voice.
MAKE A DONATION. Help us develop, and advocate for, science-based solutions vital to protecting wild trout.
CONTACT the Montana Governor’s Office and the Fisheries Division of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Let your decision-makers know we need their help to address this ecological and economic emergency.
READ THE EMERGENCY REQUEST to Montana Governor Gianforte from Outfitters, Guides, Businesses, and Concerned Citizens
Do your part by committing to using barbless single hook lures, keep fish wet, catch and release only, stop grip and grin photographs, and put the rod away when water temps reach 68°F.
ABOUT Save Wild Trout
We are a growing coalition of anglers, river advocates, concerned citizens, businesses, guides, and outfitters. Our mission is simple: to protect wild trout for the benefit of all.
We’re organizing and pooling resources to immediately investigate SW Montana’s wild trout population collapse, and generating awareness about core issues impacting cold-water fisheries and healthy rivers.
When you support Save Wild Trout, you’re joining a diverse group investing in putting boots on-the-ground, retaining experts, and advocating science-based solutions critical to restoring and conserving wild trout, starting in Montana.
We must take action to protect these valuable resources and our outdoors heritage for future generations.
Contact: brian@savewildtrout.org