Desert Trout
We don’t often associate the desert with trout habitat, but the gila (HEEL-a) trout, or “trout of the desert,” is a unique species that lives in the arid climate of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Unfortunately, the gila trout has suffered severe population declines over the past 100 years and currently occupy only a fraction of their historic range. Threat such as loss of water flow, habitat degradation and water diversion have put these fish on the endangered species list.
Viewer Tip: Conserving water at home can go a long way in helping to maintain water flow in streams and rivers where gila trout live. Trout Unlimited offers these tips:
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk – you’ll save 80 gallons of water each time you clean-up.
- Instead of washing your car at home, try a commercial car wash that recycles water.
- Aerate your lawn (punch holes about six-inches apart) to help water filter more effectively to the roots, rather than run off the lawn surface. Fall is a good time to aerate.
Seasons: Spring, Fall
This information is provided by Trout Unlimited. Learn more at www.tu.org.
