Recently a supporter messaged us that he caught a group of red band trout spawning on camera on the Spokane River. Riverkeeper, Jule went out and captured these fish on video… a highly fortunate event as these fish are very private and often hard to see in the wild.
What are redband trout? Well, they are a signature fish living in the Spokane River and across the Columbia Basin and the intermountain west. Famed for their bright red stripe, when seen underwater, they rival any tropical fish for their beauty and grace. While popular with anglers who catch and release the fish, their populations are depressed from several environmental pressures. These pressures on the populations have put them on the “Priority Species” for conservation and protection with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Additionally, they provide the standard for water quality benchmarks in creeks like Hangman or Latah Creek. Water should be cold and clear, and clean for these beautiful fish to survive and thrive.
