Utah's Swan Creek fish trap collects Bear Lake cutthroat trout eggs for statewide distribution

The Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council meeting held on March 20, 2025, focused on the management and spawning of Bear Lake cutthroat trout at Swan Creek, a significant tributary to Bear Lake in Utah. The council discussed the operation of a fish trap that collects approximately 230,000 to 240,000 eggs annually, which are vital for maintaining fish populations in Bear Lake and Strawberry Reservoir.

The fish trap, a decades-old structure, plays a crucial role in controlling chub populations by using cutthroat trout as a predator. The council emphasized the importance of this management tool, noting that the cutthroat trout spawned at Swan Creek are sent to various locations, including Panguitch Lake, to support fishing activities.

During the meeting, members outlined the operational details of the fish trap, including the process of separating male and female fish for spawning. The spawning season typically begins in April, with egg collection occurring from May through June. The council highlighted a funding request of $36,000 over ten years to maintain the facility and ensure continued access for operations.

The discussion also included the logistics of handling the fish during the spawning process. Once the eggs are collected, the females are released back into the lake, while the males are kept separately to ensure genetic diversity. The council noted that once the egg quota is met, any remaining fish are allowed to swim upstream to spawn naturally.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to manage and sustain fish populations in Utah's waters, ensuring that recreational fishing remains viable for the community. The council's funding request aims to secure the necessary resources for the continued operation of the fish trap and its critical role in local fisheries management.