The author used radio transmitters on California golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita) to track movement patterns and habitat use in grazed and exclosed stream sections in the Golden Trout Wilderness, California. Trout selected undercut banks and aquatic vegetation while avoiding bare and collapsed banks, in both the disturbed and protected stream sections. Sedges were used relative to their abundance, regardless of stream section. Authors documented that California golden trout, in pools and runs, used and selected habitat features typically damaged by grazing (undercut banks, aquatic vegetation, and sedge biomass) and avoided habitat features (bare and collapsed banks) typically caused by cattle grazing. Restoration efforts, through grazing management to promote California golden trout, should focus on preserving undercut banks, aquatic vegetation, and preventing collapsed and bare banks.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.