MA NFC Assists MassWilife in E-Fishing Trout Brook...
MA NFC board members Ian Hughes, Brian Hutchison and Jeff Moore, along with MassWIldlife biologist Adam Kautza (2nd from right)
“While disappointing, the lack of brook trout is not surprising as the population is seriously depressed at best and possibly extirpated due to notable changes in the watershed including excessive beaver activity, and low water due chronic drought, low snowpack, and increased groundwater use.”
On May 12, 2023, Massachusetts NFC board members Jeff Moore, Brian Hutchison, Ian Hughes assisted Adam Kautza and Steven Humphrey from MassWildlife in e-fishing Trout Brook.
Along with extensive physical assessment performed by MA NFC that has included walk, wade and canoe trips throughout the watershed to understand what is going on at Trout Brook, and what will be season-long temperature monitoring, fish surveys will be a critically important part of the project.
A historical coldwater system and native brook trout water, Trout Brook has changed notably in the last decade or so. Understanding what fish species are present, and not present, will help develop a complete picture of what is going on.
The team was able to survey 5 out of 6 sections of stream they intended to, aborting one due to deep water and mud. They surveyed 3 sections upstream of Channings Pond to the headwaters, 1 section immediately downstream of the pond, and 1 section just downstream of Haven Street.
While no brook trout were encountered, the group confirmed the presence of what are likely native redfin pickerel, white sucker, banded sunfish, pumpkinseed, tessellated darter, yellow perch, possibly native golden shiner, as well as nonnative yellow bullhead, largemouth bass and bluegill.
While disappointing, the lack of brook trout is not surprising as the population is seriously depressed at best and possibly extirpated due to notable changes in the watershed including excessive beaver activity, and low water due chronic drought, low snowpack, and increased groundwater use.