Ethics Vs. Reality In Saving the Westslope Cutthroat

Ever since U.S. Fish & Wildlife denied endangered species status for the westslope cutthroat because officials decided to count any fish with up to 20 percent rainbow trout genes as “non-hybridized,” some western anglers have adopted a non-release rule when it comes to rainbows. According to U.S. Geological Survey biologist Clint Muhlfeld, the only answer may be eliminating rainbows from cutthroat habitat. Brian Schott touches on the ethical dilemma as he fishes in Montana.