COALDALE, COLORADO – In a hopeful turn for Colorado’s aquatic wildlife, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) biologists have confirmed that the genetically distinct Hayden Creek cutthroat trout, rescued from near extinction during the 2016 Hayden Pass Fire, are now reproducing naturally in several streams across the Arkansas River drainage.
“This is very exciting news for these fish and for the agency, considering the odds they faced back in 2016,” said Paul Foutz, senior aquatic biologist for CPW’s Southeast Region.
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A Dramatic Rescue in 2016
In July 2016, as the Hayden Pass Fire scorched 16,754 acres south of Coaldale, CPW biologists led a daring mission to save the last known population of the rare trout. Equipped with fire-resistant gear and heavy electro-shocking backpacks, they battled hazardous conditions to remove 194 fish from Hayden Creek, just before ash and debris destroyed the waterway.
Despite the rescue, the trout faced an uncertain future. Most were housed at CPW’s Roaring Judy Hatchery near Gunnison, while 36 were placed in Newlin Creek. Initial surveys found no survivors in Newlin, but CPW pressed on, restoring the stream and reintroducing fish in 2018.
During a July 20, 2016, rescue effort, CPW aquatic biologists carried electrofishing backpacks, nets, oxygen tanks and coolers to haul out any of the rare cutthroat, now called Hayden Creek cutthroat, before ash and debris from the fire overwhelmed the drainage. Photos courtesy of CPW.
A Milestone for Conservation
Since then, more than 135,000 Hayden Creek cutthroat trout have been released across 18 streams, ponds, and lakes in the Arkansas River drainage. Recent surveys revealed multiple generations of trout, including newly hatched fish—clear signs of natural reproduction.
“Our surveys this year found ‘young-of-the-year’ fish swimming with older fish from previous stocking,” Foutz explained. “While it’s not yet a self-sustaining population, it’s a huge step in the right direction.”
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Looking Ahead
CPW’s long-term goal is to establish stable, wild populations of Hayden Creek cutthroat trout across Colorado. The agency credits its aquatic biologists, hatchery staff, and partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for this conservation success story.
“This is a perfect example of CPW’s mission to preserve Colorado’s wildlife resources,” Foutz said. “These fish have unique genetics, and it’s our job to ensure they remain on the landscape for future generations of Coloradans.”
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