Bull Trout

The Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) is Alberta’s provincial fish and a char requiring extremely cold water; often summarized as “no cold, no trout.” It is listed as Threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) and has vanished from much of its historical range in the Bow River system, including the main stem below Bow Falls and lakes like Bow and Hector.

Threats. Dams and culverts have fragmented the river, blocking spawning migrations. The 40 Mile Dam blocked passage for nearly 100 years before partial removal restored fish passage. Parks Canada uses telemetry to monitor Bull Trout movement during fall spawning. Culvert replacement at Bath Creek has restored upstream access for Bull Trout and Mountain Whitefish.

Conservation. The Lake Louise headwaters are increasingly valued as thermal refugia; cold-water sanctuaries; as climate change warms lower reaches. Protecting riparian shade and cold-water springs in the upper Bow is a priority for long-term survival of native trout.