Montana Launches Redband Trout Breeding Program

State biologists are working to preserve native Columbia River redband trout populations at the Murray Springs Fish Hatchery.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Aquariums

Montana Launches Redband Trout Breeding Program

Live Poll

Should your local area prioritize reintroducing native fish species over stocking non-native varieties for anglers?

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has established a captive breeding program at the Murray Springs Fish Hatchery in Eureka to protect native Columbia River redband trout. A 2024 state species assessment identified the fish as highly vulnerable to extirpation, with only three genetically pure wild populations remaining in Montana.

Why it matters

Habitat loss and hybridization with non-native rainbow trout threaten the genetic purity of the species. State officials are working to safeguard the fish to maintain native biodiversity and provide future recreational angling opportunities.

Only three genetically pure wild redband trout populations remain in Montana. The Murray Springs Fish Hatchery currently maintains broodstock after a 2013 generator failure resulted in the loss of 160,000 fish out of a 195,000 total count.

The players

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

This state agency is responsible for the management of fish, wildlife, and park resources throughout Montana.

Murray Springs Fish Hatchery

Located in Eureka, this facility serves as the primary site for the state's captive breeding program.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

This federal agency is dedicated to the management and conservation of fish, wildlife, and natural habitats.

The details

Biologists captured wild trout and placed them in isolation tanks for genetic screening to ensure the broodstock lacks coastal or Yellowstone rainbow trout DNA. Staff manually express eggs and milt from the trout to control fertilization and maintain genetic diversity for the program.

1995: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declined to list the Kootenai River redband population under the Endangered Species Act.
2013: A hatchery generator failure killed 160,000 fish.
2024: State managers netted founding fish for the redband stocking program.
2024: A state species assessment ranked the redband trout as high risk.
Coming months: Approximately 3,500 fish are planned for release into Kilbrennan Lake.

Culture Shift

This breeding initiative reflects a broader societal move toward proactive state-level conservation to mitigate the impact of habitat loss and hybridization. It follows the federal government's 1995 decision not to invoke the Endangered Species Act, marking a shift toward regional management.

Anglers in Montana may see expanded fishing opportunities in the future as state officials intend to stock pure redband trout in lakes such as Howard and Mount Henry. These efforts are designed to preserve native species while ensuring recreational access for local communities.

The takeaway

Maintaining genetic purity is essential for the long-term survival of native trout in the wild. Residents can support these efforts by being aware of state fishing regulations and reporting the presence of non-native species in sensitive habitats.

What happens next

Biologists expect to release 3,500 year-old redband trout into Kilbrennan Lake in the coming months. It will take an estimated two years to build the hatchery population to a level capable of supporting a consistent stocking program for other regional lakes.