Reviving Valley Life and Habitat for the Greenback Cutthroat
Imagine a flash of emerald and gold, darting through icy mountain streams. This isn't just any fish; it’s Colorado’s only native trout species, Oncorhynchus virginalis stomias, or the Greenback Cutthroat. This iconic species resides in the Kawuneeche Valley, living in the cold upper reaches of the Colorado River headwaters. It thrives during the Valley’s warm summers and survives the harsh winters, returning to eat and reproduce when the spring thaw arrives.
The Greenback doesn’t swim in these waters alone. The Kawuneeche Valley is a crowded aquatic home shared with other native species, like Suckers, Sculpin, and stocked fish.
The Grand Ditch, constructed in the 1890s to facilitate water delivery over the Continental Divide, also enabled the Greenback Cutthroats to migrate over the Divide from the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park and into the Valley, mixing with the Colorado River Cutthroats. Rainbow, Brook, and Brown trout also compete for the river’s resources. Widespread stocking programs and other fisheries management programs launched in the 1880s introduced these new species to encourage Americans to explore the outdoors.
The Valley has drawn fishers for generations, including the Holzwarth family. These homesteaders invited fishers to the Holzwarth Trout Lodge and dude ranch as a retreat from city life. You can still visit some of the remains of these early vacation spots at the Holzwarth Historic Site, located in the Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
In recent decades, the Valley has lost most of its tall willow stands, and with them, the beavers that created ponds across the valley floor. This loss had a devastating ripple effect, directly degrading the river environment critical for thriving trout. KVRC’s restoration work aims to restore the Valley’s natural systems by supporting the willow population and enhancing stream and wetland health throughout the Valley.
KVRC’s efforts to restore the Valley are also a lifeline for the trout. By planting willows, installing structures that mimic real beaver dams to slow water and create pools, and removing non-native plant species, KVRC is restoring the ecosystem. This work means cooler water, increased insect life, and more holding pools – all vital for trout to flourish. This is especially important for sensitive native species like the Greenback, which struggle to compete with hardier, introduced fish like brown trout that can tolerate warmer, less ideal conditions. Since the 1970s, the National Park Service has focused on native species restoration, and KVRC's work is critical to ensuring Colorado remains home to the vulnerable Greenback Cutthroat.
A walk along the river, whether to fish for these jewels or mark their rings as they dart to the surface to snag bugs, is an exciting wildlife spotting experience for fish fans akin to seeing a gangly moose calf. Move slowly along the bank, be quiet and aware of your footfalls and your shadow, and you too may spot these elusive trout. Be aware of their fragility and be impressed by their tenacity in such a sparse environment.
Healthy trout populations are a byproduct of a healthy watershed. Colorado Trout Unlimited is an active member of KVRC because fishing isn’t just about the fish; it's about clear, clean water, diverse bug life, and thriving wild places.
Interested in fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park? Please remember that fly fishers and restoration efforts support each other. Follow Colorado fishing regulations, use barbless or pinched hooks, and practice catch-and-release for these fragile fish. If you are an angler, take pride in these small acts of respect and gratitude for the fish and the fishery. You can support the Valley’s trout by returning your next catch safely to the river.
Brook Trout caught in the Kawuneeche Valley