Few fish were found in main-stem Willow. Also, few fish were found from the East-West Willow confluence up West Willow to the Amethyst. East Willow had a healthy population for its entire distance as well as West Willow above the Amethyst. Mayflies, Stoneflies, Caddisflies were detected as expected in the same areas where fish were prevalent. Mayflies are the most intolerant species of metals contaminated water.
Stoneflies are moderately tolerant of metals.
Some sub-species of Caddisflies are very tolerant of metals conditions and will have a tendency to proliferate in these waters. They are sometimes used as an indicator of water quality. Water quality below the Solomon could affect trout populations given an episodic event where metals content increased above the 200 ppb point. It is agreed that this volatile condition on East Willow Creek below the Solomon is where the WCRC needs to address a major part of its reclamation effort. Areas above the Solomon appear to be in great shape.