By Andrew Gillcrist, Program Director

With the first day of spring just days ahead, the cold Adirondack winter will soon give way to warmer days and melting lakes and streams. As the frozen waters give way to cool flowing streams, I am reminded of the mighty brook trout that inhabit the waters around Great Camp Sagamore and in the Adirondacks.

As the New York State fish, the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is an iconic species that is native to the many lakes, rivers and streams across the state. This fish has survived through many human-caused disruptions that led to declines in their population. Overfishing, habitat loss, acidification from the burning of fossil fuels and now the impacts of climate change have contributed to the decline in trout population. Starting in the late 1880s the state began stocking lakes and streams in the Adirondacks to help maintain fish populations, primarily for recreational pursuits. When new populations of brook trout are introduced to an area, they breed and genetically mix with native populations. Within New York, there are a select few populations of genetically distinct brook trout that have not been influenced by stocking. These fish are known as "heritage strain brook trout".

A key organization that is driving the research of heritage strain brook trout in New York is Trout Power. Trout Power is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enlisting the power of anglers to protect, restore and enhance heritage brook trout populations and their habitats across their native range, through citizen science, advocacy and stewardship. Through their citizen science efforts, Trout Power seeks to identify, map, monitor and advocate for the protection of wild and genetically unique brook trout populations in the Adirondacks and wherever they are found throughout New York.

Trout Power’s research began in the waters around Great Camp Sagamore in Lost Brook which feeds Sagamore Lake and the South Inlet which flows into Raquette Lake from Sagamore Lake. Over a period of two years, starting in 2016, volunteers from Trout Power performed a genetic analysis of over 50 specimens. With the help of Cornell University, the NYS Museum and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation they studied this population and came to a scientific conclusion that the brook trout population around Sagamore is a near un-tampered new heritage strain. Since that time, they have branched out into other areas of the Adirondacks to identify more heritage strains. Their research has expanded to areas including the West Branch of the Sacandaga River, the Upper Oswegatchie River and areas along the Moose River.

This research is particularly important because brook trout act as a bio-indicator which help to determine the overall health of an ecosystem. Since the 1990s, efforts to curb emissions from mid-west factories have led to a significant decrease in acid rain, resulting in a rebound of biodiversity in many Adirondack lakes and streams. While the impacts of acid rain have reduced, climate change remains the next big challenge for fish populations in the Adirondacks and beyond.

It is more important than ever to ensure that the native heritage strains of brook trout are preserved and protected. Educating the public of the importance of this species is key to ensuring the continued rebound of native brook trout populations. Trout Power along with Great Camp Sagamore and other partners are dedicated to educating the public of this great resource.

This season, Trout Power will be hosting a weekend of fun catch and release fly fishing and citizen science at Sagamore on June 2-5. The weekend will be centered around fly fishing Adirondack streams and lakes for brook trout, all while staying at Great Camp Sagamore. Trout Power personnel will help you to choose a destination to fly fish and explore, show you the protocol for taking fin clips, and provide the gear necessary for the sampling procedures. For more details and to register visit https://www.sagamore.org/programs/trout-power-fly-fishing-weekend.

Sagamore will also be hosting another fly fishing related program in June called the Zen Fly Fishing Retreat. This program will be led by fly fishing experts, Jordan Ross and Cari Ray and focuses on learning the Zen approach to fly fishing while being immersed in the beauty of the Adirondacks. Learn the art of catch and release fly fishing while leveraging the meditative nature of the sport to practice presence, model mindfulness, and curate calm. In addition to fundamental fly casting and angling skills, you'll come away refreshed, with tools to help you remain centered in your day-to-day life. You need only bring your enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Meals, accommodations, rental equipment, and evening activities are all included with your registration. For more information visit https://www.sagamore.org/programs/zen-fly-fishing-retreat-june-19-23.

The Mighty Brook Trout

Let’s Go Orange

What is it?