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'''Eagle Lake trout''', ''Oncorhynchus mykiss aquilarum'', is a subspecies of [[rainbow trout]] [[endemism|endemic]] to [[Eagle Lake (Lassen County)|Eagle Lake]], in [[Lassen County, California]]. It is a type of [[trout]] known for its ability to withstand high [[alkalinity]].<ref>http://stevenojai.tripod.com/elrain.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615030850/http://stevenojai.tripod.com/elrain.htm |date=2016-06-15 }} Eagle Lake Rainbow</ref> Its unique adaptations to the harsh environment of Eagle Lake make the fish a specialist with a very narrow environmental specificity.
'''Eagle Lake trout''' ('''''Oncorhynchus mykiss aquilarum''''') is a subspecies of [[rainbow trout]] [[endemism|endemic]] to [[Eagle Lake (Lassen County)|Eagle Lake]], in [[Lassen County, California]]. It is a type of [[trout]] known for its ability to withstand high [[alkalinity]].<ref name=":0">http://stevenojai.tripod.com/elrain.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615030850/http://stevenojai.tripod.com/elrain.htm |date=2016-06-15 }} Eagle Lake Rainbow</ref> Its unique adaptations to the harsh environment of Eagle Lake make the fish a specialist with a very narrow environmental specificity.


The Eagle Lake Trout is a State Species of Special Concern, but not considered endangered according to the Federal Endangered Species Act.
The Eagle Lake Trout is a State Species of Special Concern, but not considered endangered according to the Federal Endangered Species Act.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Fishing for Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout |url=https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland/Eagle-Lake-Rainbow-Trout#36782373-angling |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=wildlife.ca.gov}}</ref>


==Range==
==Range==
The ''Eagle Lake trout'' name comes from its former exclusive-endemic Eagle Lake territory. Eagle lake is approximately 24,000 acres, making it one of the largest natural lakes in California. The streams and rivers that reach the lake only connect with the lake in the late spring after the snowmelt. The lake is highly basic, with an alkalinity of pH 8-9, making it uninhabitable for many aquatic species. The Eagle Lake trout have adapted to this high pH. While formerly only in Eagle Lake, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (formerly the Department of Fish and Game) has transplanted the Eagle Lake trout into dozens of other lakes in California.
The ''Eagle Lake trout'' name comes from its former exclusive-endemic Eagle Lake territory. Eagle lake is approximately 24,000 acres, making it one of the largest natural lakes in [[California]].<ref name=":1" /> The streams and rivers that reach the lake only connect with the lake in the late spring after the snowmelt. The lake is highly basic, with an alkalinity of pH 8-9, making it uninhabitable for many aquatic species.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-14 |title=Everything You Need To Know: Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout - Trout Unlimited |url=https://www.tu.org/magazine/fishing/everything-you-need-to-know-eagle-lake-rainbow-trout/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=www.tu.org |language=en-US}}</ref> The Eagle Lake trout have adapted to this high pH. While formerly only in Eagle Lake, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (formerly the Department of Fish and Game) has transplanted the Eagle Lake trout into dozens of other lakes in California.


== Characteristics ==
== Characteristics ==
The Eagle Lake trout has a pink horizontal band, white rimmed fins, and irregular spots across its body which become less prolific towards the belly. Large square-shaped tales, large eyes, and a large body give the fish a predatory advantage in the lake. On average the fish is about 18 inches long and 2 pounds, but they have been found to get as big as 28 inches and 10 pounds.
The Eagle Lake trout has a pink horizontal band, white rimmed fins, and irregular spots across its body which become less prolific towards the belly. Large square-shaped tales, large eyes, and a large body give the fish a predatory advantage in the lake. On average the fish is about 18 inches long and 2 pounds, but they have been found to get as big as 28 inches and 10 pounds.<ref name=":1" />


Eagle Lake rainbow trout are invertivores and piscivores. As young, they mainly eat leeches, amphipods, and zooplankton. As they mature, the trout consume tui chub fish.
Eagle Lake rainbow trout are [[invertivore]]s and [[piscivore]]s. As young, they mainly eat [[leech]]es, [[Amphipoda|amphipods]], and [[zooplankton]]. As they mature, the trout consume [[tui chub]] fish.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=NatureServe Explorer 2.0 |url=https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.100826/Oncorhynchus_mykiss_pop_5 |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=explorer.natureserve.org}}</ref>
[[File:FMIB 38978 Salmo aquilarum Type Eagle Lake trout.jpeg|thumb|Depiction of Eagle Lake rainbow trout]]

Eagle Lake rainbow trout naturally spawn in Pine Creek which runs into Eagle Lake. The young trout spend the first one to two years of their life in the upper regions of the stream before swimming down into Eagle Lake. The natural environment is shaded and gravelly. This natural spawning process is almost wholly eradicated.
Eagle Lake rainbow trout naturally spawn in Pine Creek which runs into Eagle Lake. The young trout spend the first one to two years of their life in the upper regions of the stream before swimming down into Eagle Lake. The natural environment of this [[tributary]] is shaded and gravelly. This natural spawning process is now almost wholly eradicated.<ref name=":2" />


== Human Uses ==
== Human Uses ==
The Eagle Lake rainbow trout plays a significant role in the economy of the region around Eagle Lake. The fish attracts anglers who support the local economy. The Lake allows for the use of trolling, float tubes, pontoon boats, and bait and fly fishing.
The Eagle Lake rainbow trout play a significant role in the economy of the region around Eagle Lake. The fish attracts anglers who support the local economy. The Lake allows for the use of [[Trolling (fishing)|trolling]], [[float tube]]s, [[pontoon boat]]s, and [[Fishing bait|bait]] and [[fly fishing]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Carmona-Catot |first=Gerard |last2=Moyle |first2=Peter B. |last3=Aparicio |first3=Enric |last4=Crain |first4=Patrick K. |last5=Thompson |first5=Lisa C. |last6=García-Berthou |first6=Emili |date=October 2010 |title=Brook Trout Removal as a Conservation Tool to Restore Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1577/m10-077.1 |journal=North American Journal of Fisheries Management |volume=30 |issue=5 |pages=1315–1323 |doi=10.1577/m10-077.1 |issn=0275-5947|hdl=10256/7472 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>


The trout are also meaningful and culturally important to the native Paiute people.  
The trout are also meaningful and culturally important to the native Paiute people.  


== Environmental Threats ==
== Environmental Threats ==
The Eagle Lake Trout face competition with the invasive brook trout, which first came to Eagle Lake in the 1940s. These invasive trout have taken over and damaged the habitat of important spawning locations. Logging, agriculture, anthropogenic water usage, railways, and roads also all contribute to the habitat degradation that poses a threat by blocking off the natural hydrology of Eagle Lake and its tributaries. Further barriers have made Pine Creek, the location of Eagle Lake trout spawning, inaccessible. Furthermore, climate change leading to drought and rising temperatures pose threats to the Eagle Lake ecosystem, and the health of the Rainbow trout.  
The Eagle Lake Trout face competition with the invasive [[brook trout]], which first came to Eagle Lake in the 1940s. These [[Invasive species|invasive]] trout have taken over and damaged the habitat of important spawning locations.<ref name=":1" /> [[Logging]], [[agriculture]], [[Water footprint|anthropogenic water usage]], [[Rail transport|railways]], and [[road]]s also all contribute to the [[Habitat destruction|habitat degradation]] that poses a threat by blocking off the natural [[hydrology]] of Eagle Lake and its tributaries.<ref name=":3" /> Further barriers have made Pine Creek, the location of Eagle Lake trout spawning, inaccessible. Furthermore, [[climate change]] leading to [[Droughts in California|drought]] and rising temperatures pose threats to the Eagle Lake ecosystem and the health of the Rainbow trout.<ref name=":1" />  
[[File:View of Eagle Lake Facing South.jpg|thumb|Eagle Lake in Lassen County, California]]

== History of Conservation ==
The Eagle Lake Trout spawn in Pine Creek, the creek which runs into Eagle Lake from the Western shore. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Eagle Lake Trout population faced a massive decline due to low water levels, habitat degradation, and overfishing. By the 1950s, in an effort to replenish the trout population, a [[weir]] was installed in Pine Creek which captured the trout on their spawning migration.<ref name=":1" /> The Eagle Trout were bred in California state [[Hatchery|hatcheries]] and eventually released back into Eagle Lake. In 2012, the weir was modified and now allows the Eagle Lake trout partial entry to Pine Creek for natural reproduction.<ref name=":1" />

Currently, the Crystal Lake Hatchery program releases around 200,000 fish to Eagle Lake every year.<ref name=":2" /> Still, modern day conservation focuses on developing a self-perpetuating population. Efforts include creating livestock-free areas, removing invasive species, and taking out [[culvert]]s that reroute Pine Creek.<ref name=":1" /> Young, naturally spawned Eagle Lake rainbow trout have recently been discovered in Pine Creek, marking a massive success for the Eagle Lake trout [[conservationists]].<ref name=":1" /> Still, the species is not yet fully [[Sustainability|sustainable]] and conservationists continue to work to ensure the future of the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout.


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Natural history of Lassen County, California]]
[[Category:Natural history of Lassen County, California]]
[[Category:Fauna without expected TNC conservation status]]
[[Category:Fauna without expected TNC conservation status]]


{{Salmoniformes-stub}}

Latest revision as of 21:35, 3 May 2024

Eagle Lake trout
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Salmoniformes
Family: Salmonidae
Genus: Oncorhynchus
Species:
Subspecies:
O. m. aquilarum
Trinomial name
Oncorhynchus mykiss aquilarum
(Snyder, 1917)

Eagle Lake trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aquilarum) is a subspecies of rainbow trout endemic to Eagle Lake, in Lassen County, California. It is a type of trout known for its ability to withstand high alkalinity.[1] Its unique adaptations to the harsh environment of Eagle Lake make the fish a specialist with a very narrow environmental specificity.

The Eagle Lake Trout is a State Species of Special Concern, but not considered endangered according to the Federal Endangered Species Act.[2]

Range

[edit]

The Eagle Lake trout name comes from its former exclusive-endemic Eagle Lake territory. Eagle lake is approximately 24,000 acres, making it one of the largest natural lakes in California.[2] The streams and rivers that reach the lake only connect with the lake in the late spring after the snowmelt. The lake is highly basic, with an alkalinity of pH 8-9, making it uninhabitable for many aquatic species.[3] The Eagle Lake trout have adapted to this high pH. While formerly only in Eagle Lake, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (formerly the Department of Fish and Game) has transplanted the Eagle Lake trout into dozens of other lakes in California.

Characteristics

[edit]

The Eagle Lake trout has a pink horizontal band, white rimmed fins, and irregular spots across its body which become less prolific towards the belly. Large square-shaped tales, large eyes, and a large body give the fish a predatory advantage in the lake. On average the fish is about 18 inches long and 2 pounds, but they have been found to get as big as 28 inches and 10 pounds.[2]

Eagle Lake rainbow trout are invertivores and piscivores. As young, they mainly eat leeches, amphipods, and zooplankton. As they mature, the trout consume tui chub fish.[4]

Depiction of Eagle Lake rainbow trout

Eagle Lake rainbow trout naturally spawn in Pine Creek which runs into Eagle Lake. The young trout spend the first one to two years of their life in the upper regions of the stream before swimming down into Eagle Lake. The natural environment of this tributary is shaded and gravelly. This natural spawning process is now almost wholly eradicated.[4]

Human Uses

[edit]

The Eagle Lake rainbow trout play a significant role in the economy of the region around Eagle Lake. The fish attracts anglers who support the local economy. The Lake allows for the use of trolling, float tubes, pontoon boats, and bait and fly fishing.[5]

The trout are also meaningful and culturally important to the native Paiute people.  

Environmental Threats

[edit]

The Eagle Lake Trout face competition with the invasive brook trout, which first came to Eagle Lake in the 1940s. These invasive trout have taken over and damaged the habitat of important spawning locations.[2] Logging, agriculture, anthropogenic water usage, railways, and roads also all contribute to the habitat degradation that poses a threat by blocking off the natural hydrology of Eagle Lake and its tributaries.[5] Further barriers have made Pine Creek, the location of Eagle Lake trout spawning, inaccessible. Furthermore, climate change leading to drought and rising temperatures pose threats to the Eagle Lake ecosystem and the health of the Rainbow trout.[2]  

Eagle Lake in Lassen County, California

History of Conservation

[edit]

The Eagle Lake Trout spawn in Pine Creek, the creek which runs into Eagle Lake from the Western shore. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Eagle Lake Trout population faced a massive decline due to low water levels, habitat degradation, and overfishing. By the 1950s, in an effort to replenish the trout population, a weir was installed in Pine Creek which captured the trout on their spawning migration.[2] The Eagle Trout were bred in California state hatcheries and eventually released back into Eagle Lake. In 2012, the weir was modified and now allows the Eagle Lake trout partial entry to Pine Creek for natural reproduction.[2]

Currently, the Crystal Lake Hatchery program releases around 200,000 fish to Eagle Lake every year.[4] Still, modern day conservation focuses on developing a self-perpetuating population. Efforts include creating livestock-free areas, removing invasive species, and taking out culverts that reroute Pine Creek.[2] Young, naturally spawned Eagle Lake rainbow trout have recently been discovered in Pine Creek, marking a massive success for the Eagle Lake trout conservationists.[2] Still, the species is not yet fully sustainable and conservationists continue to work to ensure the future of the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ http://stevenojai.tripod.com/elrain.htm Archived 2016-06-15 at the Wayback Machine Eagle Lake Rainbow
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Fishing for Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout". wildlife.ca.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
  3. ^ "Everything You Need To Know: Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout - Trout Unlimited". www.tu.org. 2021-10-14. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
  4. ^ a b c "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
  5. ^ a b Carmona-Catot, Gerard; Moyle, Peter B.; Aparicio, Enric; Crain, Patrick K.; Thompson, Lisa C.; García-Berthou, Emili (October 2010). "Brook Trout Removal as a Conservation Tool to Restore Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout". North American Journal of Fisheries Management. 30 (5): 1315–1323. doi:10.1577/m10-077.1. hdl:10256/7472. ISSN 0275-5947.