Laramie -

Laramie Region fisheries biologists recently sampled fisheries within the Mullen Fire burn scar to evaluate the potential impacts to trout.

Biologists sampled four sites, including the North Platte River at Pickaroon, Douglas Creek at various points, Muddy Creek, and Lake Creek. While they noted some sediment, ash, and silt in all locations, these did not appear to have impacts on the fisheries.

Biologists collected numerous trout in various size/age ranges from all sites. The trout were in good body condition and appeared healthy. “If we compare them to pre-fire surveys, there probably would be not a noticeable difference,” said Bobby Compton, Laramie Region Fisheries Supervisor.

Dry conditions and lack of heavy summer rainstorms prevented a lot sediment runoff from entering streams and rivers. “We’re not out of the woods yet, but all in all it’s been a good year and we’ve avoided any catastrophic events in our fisheries from the fire,” Compton said.

- WGFD -