Watershed Research
Fisheries
Historically, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (YCT) flourished in the Teton River and the region, making spawning runs into the mountain tributaries. Between 1999 and 2003, YCT numbers plummeted by 95% due to a number of natural and human causes. Much of FTR’s fisheries research has been focused on understanding the causes of this decline and how we can help to improve conditions for native trout. In 2005, FTR and project partners began tracking trout populations in the major tributaries of the Teton River watershed. FTR’s fisheries data (for cutthroat and non-natives) is highly regarded in the scientific community and is one of the most robust data sets available for any western watershed and native trout species.
Today, we work with agency partners and regional experts to understand the health of the Teton River Watershed fishery. We use a variety of research techniques including PIT tagging, electrofishing, and telemetry to study Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout population numbers, movement patterns, spawning locations, and mortality. FTR also uses these research techniques to study the impacts of non-native trout, rainbow, brook, and brown trout on native trout.
With long-term data, we are better able to understand the impacts of climate change, changing water use and management, changing precipitation patterns, water quality, and habitat–and where to place our efforts to improve the fishery in this last-best watershed for YCT.
Betsy first visited Teton Valley as a 10-year-old from Atlanta, GA, on a family trip west (station wagon and pop-up camper in tow), and knew from that point that the Tetons were amazing and the Rockies were where she wanted to be when she grew up. With a B.A. in Biology and an M.A. in Geography, she enjoyed a career in natural resource management with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Forest Service, the last 20 years in Utah and Montana. In 2022, she and her husband Dan started building their home in Tetonia, moving here in 2023, and are enjoying the outdoor joys of the Tetons and getting to know Teton Valley. She enjoys all things outdoors, particularly hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and trying to dabble in bikepacking; loves traveling although finds leaving their senior tabby to be so hard.
Rafe owns and operates Canewater Farm in Victor, Idaho. Rafe studied business at The University of Georgia and organic agriculture at the University of California Santa Cruz. Rafe brings the unique perspective of the local agricultural community to Friends of the Teton River. He is a farmer and a fisherman who views the Teton River as the lifeblood of the community. He advocates for collaboration between agricultural and recreational stakeholders. He is a proud father of two children, Rowan and Emmalou. He and his family sneak away from the farm any chance they can to camp, fish, ski, bike and explore the beautiful mountains and rivers of the area.