for only 25 Montana streams, representing 1.1% of the historic range (Liknes 

 1984) . Liknes speculates that approximately 4% of the historic Montana range 

 may still be occupied by pure westslope populations. A perusal of the popu- 

 lation densities of pure-strain westslope cutthroat described by Liknes 

 suggests German Gulch Creek supports one of the highest biomasses per stream 

 of any of the pure westslope streams in Montana. 



The trout population of German Gulch Creek is compared with those of 

 13 streams found on the adjoining Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area in 

 Table 10. German Gulch supports the second highest biomass of all of these 

 streams, and the sixth highest numbers of trout. While German Gulch and 

 Willow Creek are the only two streams in the area supporting cutthroat 

 populations, the cutthroat population of Willow Creek has been determined to 

 be of the Yellowstone strain (Oswald 1981). 



The numbers, biomass and genetic purity of the westslope cutthroat 

 population indicate a valuable fishery resource. Given the rarity of pure- 

 strain westslope cutthroat trout populations and the presence of a biological 

 barrier downstream (Silver Bow Creek) to prevent upstream migration and 

 potential introgression of rainbow trout, every effort should be made to 

 protect and enhance this population. 



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