University of Montana Launches New Fisheries Science Chair Backed by $5 Million to Protect Cold-Water Trout

Mar-09-26 by Angela Montana

Some people might shrug at another university title being created, but for folks who care about trout, rivers, and the future of fishing in Montana, it’s actually a pretty big catch.

University of Montana created a new Chair of Fisheries Science within its wildlife biology program.
The position is backed by $5 million contributed by 56 donors focused on cold-water fish conservation.
Yoichiro Kanno was selected for the role after applying in September 2024 and being named this month.
The research focus targets warming temperatures and shrinking snowpack and how they’re changing fish habitat.
Declines are already showing up in Montana rivers, including a reported ~55% drop in Big Hole brown trout compared to long-term averages.

The Montana Kaiman reported that the University of Montana’s wildlife biology program has officially launched a new Chair of Fisheries Science, backed by $5 million from 56 donors who want to protect the cold-water fish species that thrive in rivers like the Bitterroot and Clark Fork.

Yoichiro Kanno, who applied for the role in September 2024 and was named to the position this month, will lead research on how warming temperatures and shrinking snowpack are reshaping fish habitats — and what scientists can do about it. (For a broader look at how conditions are shifting across the region, see our deep dive: TROUT FISHING IS CHANGING!!!.)

The urgency isn’t just academic. Rivers such as the Big Hole have already seen troubling declines, with brown trout populations dropping about 55% compared to long-term averages. Kanno hopes to tackle challenges like these through research, hands-on student training and restoration projects that help regulate river flow and temperature.

That kind of work also fits into the bigger picture of fisheries planning and on-the-ground management. If you’re curious how Montana’s statewide goals are laid out, here’s a useful companion read: STATEWIDE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN 2023-2026.

As Montana’s fishing reputation — immortalized in films like A River Runs Through It — faces real environmental pressures, the program is also casting a wider net, aiming to raise $20 million for a new conservation and research center that could help ensure the state’s iconic fisheries don’t become just another story about the good old days.

Photo: AI-generated

FAQ

What did the University of Montana launch?

The University of Montana’s wildlife biology program launched a new Chair of Fisheries Science.

How is the new Chair of Fisheries Science funded?

The chair is backed by $5 million from 56 donors who want to protect cold-water fish species in Montana rivers.

Who was named to the Chair of Fisheries Science position?

Yoichiro Kanno was named to the position this month after applying in September 2024.

What will the fisheries science chair focus research on?

The research will focus on how warming temperatures and shrinking snowpack are reshaping fish habitats—and what scientists can do in response.

Which Montana rivers are mentioned in connection with cold-water fish?

The article references rivers like the Bitterroot and Clark Fork as places where cold-water fish species thrive.

What decline was reported for the Big Hole River?

The article notes that the Big Hole has seen troubling declines, with brown trout populations dropping about 55% compared to long-term averages.

How does the program plan to address these challenges beyond research?

Along with research, the effort includes hands-on student training and restoration projects aimed at helping regulate river flow and temperature.

What is the long-term fundraising goal mentioned?

The program aims to raise $20 million for a new conservation and research center to help protect Montana’s iconic fisheries.