Respect the Redd
Protecting trout spawning habitat in the Missouri River
Due to recent concern about anglers disturbing trout redd zones, UMOWA has posted signage near vulnerable patches of gravel along the Missouri River to raise awareness and protect spawning habitat.
What is a Redd?
A “redd” occurs when a female trout uses her tail to dig a depression in the gravel. She deposits and covers the eggs with loose gravel and waits for a male trout to fertilize them. These nesting sites are critical to the survival of trout populations in the Missouri River.
How to Identify Redd Zones
- 1
Look for oval-shaped patches of small light-colored gravel near the river bank.
- 2
Gravel bars with small depressions indicate nest sites.
- 3
Usually found in shallow shorelines with a rippling current to provide oxygen to the eggs.
Help Protect Spawning Habitat
Join UMOWA as a volunteer and help us protect the Missouri River's trout populations.
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