Fisheries Resources – High Lakes WSA Sam Hochhalter, Cody Regional Fisheries Supervisor, WGFD

Overview History of Fish Management Fish Resources Today

History of Fish Management West-ward expansion in the 1800’s -High harvest of existing fish and wildlife pops. -Early management – harvest could be offset with stocking

History of Fish Management 1874 – 1929 Brook and Rainbow trout stocked throughout most accessible waters. By 1923 over 72 Billion fish stocked by train 1869 first transcontinental train 1872 US Fish Commission established By 1923 over 72 Billion fish had been transported and stocked by train

History of Fish Management 1910 – 1939 Brook, Rainbow, and “Black spotted” trout stocked in less accessible waters.

History of Fish Management Beartooth Plateau Lakes were historically fishless or “barren” 1933 - 1939 Brook Trout were stocked in at least 32 of the ~50 lakes within the High Lakes WSA

Fish Resources Today Brook Trout Heaven Highly abundant brook trout populations in most streams and lakes.

Fish Resources Today Non-Brook Trout Lakes -Snyder Lake – golden trout -Native Lake – cutthroat trout -Echo Lake – cutthroat trout -Emerald Lake – cutthroat trout

Fish Resources Today Angler Use -No estimates of angler effort/use -Popular location for backpack fishing trips

Questions