California Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita) have been transplanted across the American West, but their native range is limited to the high-elevation headwaters of the Kern River in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Within the small geography, Golden Trout are struggling. The legacies of extensive habitat degradation along with hybridization and competition with non-native trout have deeply impacted their numbers.
After years of planning, the Golden Trout Project is embarking on an ambitious restoration effort to protect and recover the remaining strongholds of California Golden Trout.
ABOUT EMBRACE A STREAM:
Ross Reels will donate a giveback on a per reel basis to EAS that will help fund projects supporting conservation efforts focused on the Kern River Rainbow and Eastern brook trout species.
Embrace A Stream (EAS) is a grant program administered by TU that awards funds to TU chapters and councils for coldwater fisheries conservation. Since its inception in 1975, EAS has funded more than 1,150 individual projects with more than $4.9 million in direct cash grants.
For current updates on EAS projects, visit the EAS Facebook page and follow #embraceastream on Instagram and Facebook.
In 2022, a total of $86,000 was awarded to 13 chapters and councils, helping restore stream habitat, improving fish passage, and protecting water quality in states from coast to coast.
ABOUT THE REEL:
Limited Edition 4/5 Animas Reels based on the Golden Trout
A portion of each reel sold will go back to Trout Unlimited's Embrace A Stream (EAS) grant program where funds will then be dispersed to TU chapter projects focused on conservation efforts benefiting the Golden Trout.
With only 495 of each of these special reels available, each one will include a number of 1 to 495 as well as "Golden" on the reel foot.
The Golden Trout reel color is a vibrant golden-yellow coloring found on a Golden Trout.
Hand-painted spots on the drag knob directly relate to the Golden Trout species, adding an additional level of unique beauty to each reel.
