A small number of stunted bullhead catfish inhabit the lake. A group of seven ponds within the Grouse Lake Vehicle Closure Area Two thousand Lahontan cutthroat trout fingerlings in the lower lake and one thousand brook trout fingerlings in the upper lake are planted yearly. Also in the Grouse Lakes Vehicle Closure Area. A copper mine once operated on the bank of Phoenix Lake. The lake has been acidic in the past but is being tested with plants of rainbow trout fingerlings.
Brook trout live in the deeper pools, which are created by beavers.
Smithneck Road From Hwy. A self sustaining population of brown trout. There is State owned land near the town of Loyalton which supports a nice meadow fishery. Very good roaded access. All rights reserved.