Project Overview

Teton Conservation District will assist the Snake River Ranch in improving stream function, habitat and spawning on native cutthroat trout in Fish Creek, a class 1 cold water trout stream near Wilson, Wyoming, using natural in-stream structures, dredging and excavation, and the addition of clean spawning gravels. Fish Creek, a tributary to the Snake River, was historic habitat for the Yellowstone cutthroat trout but has been degraded over time causing habitat loss and erosion from poor land management practices adjacent to the stream. The project area has a minimum habitat diversity but can be restored through recontouring of the streambanks, stabilizing the riparian areas with native vegetation and creating instream complexity of pools, riffles, and runs to provide more habitat for the native trout. In addition, through the addition of specific size spawning gravels in historic upper sections of Fish Creek, Yellowstone cutthroat trout can be re-established and reach self-sustaining populations over time. This project area is near Grand Teton National Park and is supported by state and federal agencies.