McCloud River Redband Trout are believed to be the only native fish species in the upper McCloud basin, found only in a handful of isolated headwater streams. They're the only Redband trout species endemic to California, and among the most vulnerable of the state's native trout to environmental disturbance. Recognized as a California Species of Special Concern, a Species of Greatest Conservation Need under the State Wildlife Action Plan, and a U.S. Forest Service Sensitive Species, MRRT are the focus of a long-standing conservation partnership among state and federal agencies and private landowners.

During drought conditions, deep pool habitat in these headwater streams becomes increasingly scarce, and MRRT are forced to crowd into the few remaining pools until flows recover. Two refuge pools built in Sheepheaven Creek decades ago show how effective this approach can be, having sheltered MRRT through repeated periods of drought over the years. But those original pools have reached the end of their useful life, as sediment has filled them in and the large wood that shaped them has broken down — revealing a clear need for new pools built to last.

CalTrout and partners have designed and constructed six low-tech refuge pools across Sheepheaven and Edson creeks, giving MRRT resilient, deep-water refuge to fall back on when drought conditions hit. Monitoring since construction shows MRRT moving into the new pools right away, a strong early sign that this simple, low-tech approach can help sustain the species through the dry periods ahead.