Opening of the Brook Trout Fishery for Recreational Use

Based on the success of brook trout restoration efforts and comparisons of population monitoring data from GRSM and surrounding states, NPS initiated a three year experimental study where eight streams were opened to fishing and harvest for brook trout. This study indicated that there was no significant decline in adult brook trout density or biomass in any of the eight fished populations. This outcome resulted in the proposed action of opening brook trout fishing to anglers on a permanent basis.

Two alternatives are proposed, Alternative A where brook trout fishing and harvest would continue to be prohibited within the park according to 36 CFR Section 7.14 and Alternative B (the Preferred and Environmentally Preferred Alternative) where brook trout fishing would be restored or opened as an activity within the park. Under Alternative B, brook trout fishing and harvest would be permitted within the park and defined by the compendium. A special regulation change would be initiated which may take a year or more. Fishing and harvest would be generally open in streams throughout the park with the exception of newly restored streams, so as to allow for recovery of those newly restored systems. Resource management staff in cooperation with Resource and Visitor Protection staff would monitor and assess the viability of opening newly restored systems after a sufficient period of recovery and sound monitoring results that support such an opening. Each restored system would be evaluated on a case by case basis. Monitoring will also be used to assess whether a "catch and release" program should be initiated if at any time the populations appears to be at risk.

Document Content:

EA for Opening of the Brook Trout Fishery for Recreational Use   (382.0 KB, .doc file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of Acrobat Reader from Adobe Systems.