Whirling Disease Found in Watauga River Rainbow Trout

Whirling disease has been confirmed in rainbow trout collected from the Watauga River, the first occurrence of the disease in North Carolina according to the North Carolina Wildlife Commission.

LINK (via:Watauga Roads)

Colorado's wild rainbow trout story could have a fairy tale ending

Much like the mythological unicorn, though, Colorado's rainbow trout pulled a disappearing act about 20 years ago. The black magic known as whirling disease decimated the state's rainbow trout population, reducing it to less than 1 percent of the total trout population in former strongholds such as the Colorado River in the mid-1990s.

With fish hatcheries and rivers statewide soon testing positive for the parasite responsible for whirling disease, the outlook grew increasingly grim. But the tumultuous story may have finally found its fairy-tale ending.

LINK (via: The Denver Post)

Whirling disease researchers optimistic about Montana's trout

Whirling disease now infects about 150 streams across Montana, but researchers say they are still optimistic about the future of trout fishing in the state.

One of the most promising developments, they say, is the discovery of wild rainbow trout that are naturally resistant to whirling disease. Another is the mysterious rebound of rainbow trout in the Madison River, the first Montana river where whirling disease was discovered.

LINK (via:MSU News)