Fishing Information
Fishing Regulations on Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Fish of Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Fish
of Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Arctic Grayling
Distinguished by large dorsal fin, larger scales than trout and forked tail. May reach two pounds in weight. Spawns in the early spring. Historically, spawning runs of many thousands were seen in most streams of this area. Now, only a remnant population is found, mainly in Red Rock Creek. Aquatic insects and crustaceans form the bulk of the grayling’s diet.
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Distinguished by two red slash marks on the underside of jaw and large, round, black spots. Found primarily in Red Rock Creek. Spawns in the spring. Hybridizes readily with rainbow trout. Weighs up to four pounds. Feeds mainly on aquatic insects and less frequently on small fishes.
Rainbow Trout
Distinguished by pink side streaks and lack of red cutthroat jaw slashes. Spotting smaller and more irregularly shaped than cutthroat. Introduced from the Pacific Coast. Found primarily in MacDonald Pond and Elk Springs Creek. May reach six or more pounds. Spawns in the spring. Feeds mainly on aquatic insects, but large rainbows take small fish of any available species as well.
Brook Trout
Distinguished by numerous light colored "worm tracks" on the darker upper body and red spots with blue halos. Introduced from the eastern United States. Found throughout the Refuge waters except MacDonald Pond. Weighs two to three pounds. Spawns in the fall. Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and small fishes.
Mountain Whitefish
A native member of the trout family that is distinguished by a slender shape, large scales, silver color devoid of spots, and a small mouth that is slightly downturned. Whitefish feed on insects, fish eggs, and small fishes. These fish are fall spawners and can be found in Red Rock Creek.
