The small size of this species makes it difficult to capture using most sampling techniques, and those that are captured are often not reported. Because this species is small and has little value to fishermen it is rarely a target species during fish sampling events and is often overlooked. Brook trout have become well established and maintain self-sustaining populations in most of the smaller tributaries and high elevation streams within the assessment area. In many of the high elevation streams in the assessment area the brook trout is the only fish species that is present. In the assessment area it appears that brook trout become replaced by other trout species in larger streams and at elevations that are less than about 7600 feet.
Fish sampling data suggests that the lower reaches of Trout Creek maintain good fish populations.
Fish population data was not available for upper reaches of Trout Creek, and recent development of this area may have resulted in degraded aquatic habitat. Brown trout are the most widely distributed species of fish within the assessment area. Naturally reproducing populations of brown trout occur in most major tributaries and mainstem streams throughout the assessment area. Only the higher elevation streams and some of the smaller streams do not hold populations of this species. At most locations where brown trout were present they were the dominant fish species.