Great Basin Redband Trout, Malheur Lakes SMU – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Photo Credit: Terry Smith, USFS Fremont Winema National Forest

Overview

Species Common Name Great Basin Redband Trout
Species Scientific Name Oncorhynchus mykiss newberrii
Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
State Listing Status Sensitive
SMU/ESU/DPS/Subspecies Malheur Lakes SMU

Ecoregions

Blue Mountains

Located in NE Oregon, the Blue Mountains ecoregion is the largest ecoregion in the state. It provides a diverse complex of mountain ranges, valleys, and plateaus that extend beyond Oregon into the states of Idaho and Washington.

Northern Basin and Range

The Northern Basin and Range ecoregion covers the very large southeastern portion of the state, from Burns south to the Nevada border and from the Christmas Valley east to Idaho. It is largely a high elevation desert-like area dominated by sagebrush communities and habitats.

Special needs

Several life history types with different migratory patterns. Pools provide important habitat for all life stages.

Limiting factors

Channelization. Water withdrawal. Riparian condition. Passage barriers.

Data gaps

Poor understanding of factors that influence long-term viability. Limiting factor is likely to be availability of water (linked to natural cycles). Influence of climate change on these cycles is poorly understood in this region.

Conservation actions

Address passage barriers. Restore flow and riparian quality.