Orr Area Trout Streams II

1) Bulldog Hanson Creek is one of two known streams with naturally reproducing brook trout populations in the International Falls Management Area. It provides cold water inputs to the Lost River and it lies entirely in state land. Cold water is supplied by groundwater springs. It has a relatively short section of desirable trout habitat in the upper reach of the stream and is limited by its small size. Population assessments have shown trout concentrate in the upper end of the stream. Trout tend to be small, averaging four inches in length. An existing culvert would be reset to the correct elevation and another installed for floodplain capacity.

2) Fawn Creek was stocked with Brook Trout from 1942 to 1962 and again beginning in 2013. Electrofishing in fall 2014 sampled trout and coldwater species including Sculpin spp. Fawn Creek appears to have the physical habitat necessary to support trout with good bottom substrates and some large pools. A 2008 survey found water temperatures suitable for coldwater fish. One challenge for trout management is the evidence of extreme high water events. This raises concerns about newly stocked trout being pushed downstream even more than they naturally tend to do. The most beneficial habitat improvements are likely to be beaver control/dam removal and tree plantings to help keep water temperatures down, maintain suitable levels of dissolved oxygen and possibly increase base flow.

3) Kinmount Creek was stocked with Brook Trout of various life stages from 1942 to 1989. The DNR has recently began stocking trout again. A 2009 survey calculated IBI coldwater scores of "poor" to "fail" at all sites sampled, and water temperature monitoring indicated relatively suitable thermal habitat for trout at some sites. Beaver trapping and dam removal would likely provide cooler water temperatures.

4) The Lost River has a long history of stocking though the current regimen has only been in place since 2011. Several surveys sampled Brook Trout, indicating that the stream is capable of producing a put-and-take fishery. Stocking assessments have recaptured stocked fish and also sampled naturally reproduced fish. The habitat pools that were recently completed are very popular with anglers and have improved habitat for trout. Culvert improvements for passage, tree planting, and/or added structures would be installed in suitable locations. The focus will maintain connectivity with its coldwater tributary and improve trout habitat.