Stony Brook ranks among the DNR's top trout stream priorities. The stream is among the better trout-fishing waters in the entire state. High-quality habitat keeps trout numbers high, says David Bohlander, assistant area fisheries supervisor at Brainerd. Stony has a good combination of riffles, pools, clean water, and moderate fertility. Threats held at bay Stony's abundant trout population is split evenly between brown trout and brook trout.
Browns predominate in the lower portion, while brookies are found primarily upstream.
There, the water is faster and more agitated, creating the high levels of oxygen that brook trout need. Both species appear to be faring well, despite being surrounded by growing vacation, residential, and recreational development, as well as farms in the stream's headwaters. As a state-designated trout stream, Stony and its tributaries are protected by strict environmental regulations. In addition, the DNR has purchased stream easements from several landowners adjacent to the stream corridor, allowing the agency to restrict development that might harm Stony Brook. Much of the best trout water runs in Stony's lower reaches, through property owned by the state, Cass County, or the city of Lakeshore.