Climate Crisis Threatens Appalachian Brook Trout and Mountain Culture

High in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Southern Appalachian brook trout is fighting for survival against mounting environmental threats. These native fish, which have called these cold mountain streams home since the Ice Age, have already lost 80% of their habitat since 1900 due to logging, development, and competition from non-native trout species.

Climate change is now delivering what could be the final blow. The delicate “brookies” can only survive in water below 68°F, making them extremely vulnerable to rising temperatures. Recent studies show populations have plummeted by 50% in nearly all streams within Shenandoah National Park over just three decades. Hurricane Helene dealt another devastating hit in September 2024, with its torrential rains washing away fish from their home pools and disrupting crucial spawning seasons.

The threat extends beyond ecology to economy and culture. Trout fishing generates $1.4 billion annually for Western North Carolina alone, while the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians sees $93 million from 45,000 fishing visitors yearly. For locals, brook trout represent more than just fish—they’re “as important as bluegrass,” embodying generations of Appalachian identity and tradition.

Conservation efforts are underway, with biologists, tribal nations, and organizations like Trout Unlimited working to protect remaining populations and restore habitat. However, scientists warn that even a modest 2.7°F increase in stream temperatures could eliminate another 20% of suitable brook trout habitat. As Thomas Champeau of Trout Unlimited puts it, “When it comes to climate change, sometimes it’s going to be a death by a thousand cuts.”