Waters stocked in 1980 through 1983 require evaluation over 

 the next few years to determine the success of those plants and 

 the degree of self-sufficiency (Table C). Highest priority was 

 given to systems that exhibit physical and biological character- 

 istics comparable to the best existing golden trout habitats. 

 The Desolation-Big Butte to Jorden Lake chain involves a six 

 lake-stream system and has characteristics favorable to develop- 

 ment of the best golden trout habitat in the State of Montana. 

 The second best opportunity for a stream-lake ecosystem is the 

 West Fishtail Creek drainage of the Beartooths. 



All future proposals should consider impacts of golden trout 

 introductions to downstream environments; generally speaking 

 these should be minimal. I would also suggest a search of poten- 

 tial habitats in western Montana for improved geographic distri- 

 bution. In 1984, the following golden trout plants are recom- 

 mended: 



Blue Danube Lake 



Hidden Lake #1 



Hidden Lake #2 



Hidden lakes #3, 4 and 8 



Picasso Lake 



Incisor Lake 



Since it was apparent that many of the existing golden trout 

 habitats were degraded physically, esthetically and biologically, 

 some action is recommended. All existing golden trout habitats 

 have been fisheries for years, and their historic value should be 

 retained if at all possible. 



I recommend upgrading golden trout status in the Fourmile 

 Basin lakes #3 and 4. Lake #5 appeared to have little potential 

 for a sustaining population. Fourmile Basin #4 has been a golden 

 trout fishery since 1960; it was restocked in 1977. Its present 

 low density can be attributed to the deteriorated nature of the 

 exit of the outlet from the lake. A simple debris removal may 

 mend the problem. It is assumed that adult spawners can return 

 to the lake during suitable flows in the spring. Juveniles 

 trapped in 150 feet of outlet fail to augment the lake's popula- 

 tion. 



I recommend extermination of brook trout in Fourmile Basin 

 Lake #3 and the small, wide waters downstream. Treatment could 

 be effective during March when access by snowmobiles could trans- 

 port chemicals. Smaller amounts of chemicals are required during 

 low oxygen levels. Recruitment from Fourmile #4 would appropri- 

 ately restock Fourmile #3 slowly, allowing both food resources 

 and golden trout establishment. Tr the absence of competition 

 from brook trout, self-sufficiency should occur. 



Both shorelines shov/ed considerable abuse. I recommend a 

 general cleanup, restrictions to camping near the shoreline and a 

 restriction of vehicles to a distance uninf luencial to Fourmile 



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