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

2. Overview
History of Fish Management
Fish Resources Today

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Questions