Rainbow Numbers Down on Montana's Bitterroot

Following a trend shared by other major Montana rivers, the Bitterroot is showing marked decreases in the numbers of rainbow trout. Whirling disease is the likely cause, according to scientists. “According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologist Chris Clancy, rainbow trout at Bell Crossing have a good overall population. However, the rainbow populations have dropped drastically at Darby. Brown trout populations at Darby are stable.” Kristin Knight in the Ravalli Republic.