By Henry Nehls-Lowe

As noted on page 1, join us at the October 8th SWTU chapter meeting, when Justin Haglund, DNR Fisheries Senior Biologist, will present on a recently released trout stream survey and assessment report that includes the status and upcoming plans for Trout Creek (“Trout Management and Status Report for the Mill and Rush Creek Watersheds”).

Less than an hour from Madison, Trout Creek was once an extremely popular stream among some of SWTU’s finest and most discerning anglers. “During the 1970s and 80s, Trout Creek was a cherished fishery,” writes Steve Born. “Close to the metro area, and with wonderful hatches, it was a perfect place to sneak away for an afternoon. For many of us, it was our ‘secret’ home waters. But habitat improvements suffered shortened lives from siltation and erosion, along with beaver activity in the upper reaches of the creek – and over time the fishery deteriorated.”

One of DNRs goals is increasing the abundance of Brook Trout in upper Trout Creek, upstream of the dry dam barrier, by habitat improvement and relocating Brown Trout to lower Trout Creek. Other goals for Trout Creek are 3.5 miles of stream restoration on the upper stretch and the lower stretch, where relocated Brown Trout will be placed and expected to become more abundant with the improvements.

Justin said, “This is a valuable and worthwhile endeavor. When I started working on Trout Creek with the research department back in 2012, the reach along Trout Creek where Arneson Creek flows in was almost entirely Brook Trout (and nice fish too!). Since then, the Brook Trout population has severely declined and we are lucky to see a handful in that stretch. Given the decline in both Brook and Brown Trout abundance, along with cold temperatures and excellent spring input, I believe Brook Trout can do very well in Trout Creek…in the absence of Browns. Another excellent opportunity here is to potentially establish another broodstock source since the genetics in the past have come back as ‘native’.”

The SWTU board strongly supports Justin’s plans for improving Trout Creek, including Brown Trout relocation and stream restoration. And Steve Born agrees, “This is an attractive opportunity to establish a strong wild brook trout fishery in our region – one we should undertake under Justin’s guidance and scientific follow-up.”

The SWTU Board carefully considered Justin’s report and plan before supporting it. Despite Trout Creek’s decline, some anglers still fish it and often in the stretch from which Brown Trout will be removed. While miles of public water and the transplanted Brown Trout will await below the dry dam, no one wants to lose a favorite fishing spot. In this case, though, the Board believes the decline of Trout Creek and the opportunities to revive it are worth that loss. Justin will also need TU volunteers for the Brown Trout removal and relocation on October 21-24. He’ll provide the details at our meeting.