Golden Trout: A Species on the Brink

A remote wildfire in California’s Tulare County has threatened critical habitat for the golden trout, the state’s official freshwater fish. Native golden trout populations have already dwindled throughout the state due to the introduction of invasive species and habitat destruction. It is believed that less than 10 miles of streams in the Golden Trout Wilderness still contain pure-strain of golden trout. For those who have never seen a golden trout, they are one of the most beautiful freshwater species the U.S. has to offer. All of which makes preventing fires like the Tulare blaze critical to the survival of this fragile species. It’s also a major reason why campfires are not allowed in the Golden Trout Wilderness.

Photo by Brian Milne