Scruffyfly, IMO the decline is directly related to the drought we have been in the last number of years out here. The drought has done a serious number on our CT populations in Eastern Idaho.

The other serious problemfacing the CT is the growing lake trout population in Yellowstone lake. Lake trout are verorious fish feeders and I am sure they are decimating juvenile CT populations.

When I guided in Alaska I witnessed first hand many times large lake trout chasing and trying to eat hooked Rainbows as large as 18".

I am sure some of the larger lake trout in there are eating adult CT also.

Rob