Coaster brook trout are a unique life history of brook trout that spend part of their lives in the Great Lakes, notably Lake Superior. Overfishing and habitat degradation from 19th century logging practices reduced populations and populations were considered “fished out” by 1865 in Lake Superior waters near Marquette. Ongoing habitat degradation, overfishing and non-native species furthered their decline in the subsequent 150+ years. Several known populations of coasters survive today, and there is a high likelihood that many more exist undocumented. The Great Lakes Fisheries Commission launched a coaster brook trout rehabilitation plan for Lake Superior in 2003. However, efforts to study and recover coasters since then have crashed ashore and receded like Lake Superior waves, with periods of intense activity followed by lulls in interest and funding.

Now, the effort is getting a fresh lift from Trout Unlimited, which identified the coaster brook trout tributaries along the southern Lake Superior coastline as one of its Priority Waters. Trout Unlimited is working with tribal nations, state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and local chapters to identify and overcome physical, scientific, and regulatory barriers to understanding and restoring coaster brook trout. You can help support efforts to protect and restore these important and fascinating fish with a tax-deductible donation today.