While trout in general are known for their kaleidoscope of color, California’s state fish, the Golden Trout, is the most spectacularly tinted of all. Goldens drip color and shape matched only by exotic butterflies, birds and flowers. They are found in a most unlikely place; precariously perched in isolated streams of the Kern River drainage, buried beneath snow at least half the year. Their lair, the Sierra Nevada, is among the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges. Sadly, this remarkable species is threatened.”
– Craig Ballenger, California Trout
In an effort to raise awareness and subsequently protect the Golden Trout, CalTrout plans to produce a short film about this magnificent fish, its habitat and its plight. The film will air nationally to gain maximum attention.
To make this important film, we must raise $20,000 to fund the project. We have launched a campaign through Indiegogo to raise this money. To support this project* or find out more, click here:
All donations are tax deductible
CalTrout has assembled a team of six: 2 backcountry experts (Craig Ballenger and Ted Harbour), 2 master fly fishermen, (Mikey Wier and George Revel), and 2 nationally-aired filmmakers, (Keith Brauneis and Ben Paull).
Together this group will embark on a 2-week journey from sea level to 14,000 feet and all points in between, scouring the creeks and alpine lakes of the Eastern Sierra mountain range, seeking out the various descendants and hybrids of the Golden Trout. They will examine current conditions and determine future threats to this species.
The story of the California Golden Trout will be the over arching theme that will unfold within a real life adventure story about six men’s quest to find Liquid Gold in the great American west. Filmmaker Keith Brauneis’ recent film “Enough is Enough” (produced by CalTrout) was featured in the 2012 Fly Fishing Film Tour. To see that short film, click here.
All donations are tax deductible
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Peter Moyle is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and Associate Director of the Center for Watershed Sciences, at UC Davis. He is author or co-author of more than 240 publications, including the definitive Inland Fishes of California (2002). He is co-author of the 2017 book, Floodplains: Processes and Management for Ecosystem Services. His research interests include conservation of aquatic species, habitats, and ecosystems, including salmon; ecology of fishes of the San Francisco Estuary; ecology of California stream fishes; impact of introduced aquatic organisms; and use of floodplains by fish.
Robert Lusardi is the California Trout/UC Davis Wild and Coldwater Fish Researcher focused on establishing the basis for long-term science specific to California Trout’s wild and coldwater fish initiatives. His work bridges the widening gap between academic science and applied conservation policy, ensuring that rapidly developing science informs conservation projects throughout California. Dr. Lusardi resides at the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences and works closely with Dr. Peter Moyle on numerous projects to help inform California Trout conservation policy. His recent research interests include Coho salmon on the Shasta River, the ecology of volcanic spring-fed rivers, inland trout conservation and management, and policy implications of trap and haul programs for anadromous fishes in California.
Patrick Samuel is the Conservation Program Coordinator for California Trout, a position he has held for almost two years, where he coordinates special research projects for California Trout, including the State of the Salmonids report. Prior to joining CalTrout, he worked with the Fisheries Leadership & Sustainability Forum, a non-profit that supports the eight federal regional fishery management councils around the country. Patrick got his start in fisheries as an undergraduate intern with NOAA Fisheries Protected Resources Division in Sacramento, and in his first field job as a crew member of the California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Wild and Heritage Trout Program.
3 Comments
[…] A few of the slacker/trout bum types video folks at CalTrout are launching a Kickstarter campaign to finance a film about California’s state fish — the Golden Trout. […]
[…] A few of the slacker/trout bum types video folks at CalTrout are launching a Kickstarter campaign to finance a film about California’s state fish — the Golden Trout. […]
I happended to meet Craig on my very first day of fly fishing about a dozen years ago. I’ve since read his book, seen Enough is Enough and had the chance to shoot the breeze w/ him at one of the local shows. If Craig’s in, I’m in. Except – I happened to see this video / request for funds too late. So, I have a small contribution for the project if you’re interested. Just let me know how.
Best Regards,
Adrian