Wild Trout Resources and Management in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Abstract

Abstract Information acquired through surveys of six state and federal natural resource management agencies was used to obtain current estimates of the wild trout resources of the southern Appalachian Mountains and to review associated management programs. Overall, the southern Appalachians contain some 18,000 km of coldwater streams with the potential for supporting salmonid populations. Wild trout inhabit about 9,660 km of these streams and native brook trout are found in approximately 2,580 km. These substantial and comparatively unique resources are becoming increasingly important from many perspectives as potential threats to their continued existence increase. Current management programs and strategies employed by the agencies surveyed reflect the basic similarity of wild trout resources and management needs throughout the region. A notable amount of variability remains regarding angling regulations and, to a lesser degree, native brook trout management. Such variability is not biologically-based, b...