The Evolution of Trout Stream Management in the Black Hills, 1883–2023, as Evidenced Through Hatchery Activities and Stocking

Abstract

In this paper, we review and synthesize trout management philosophy and policies for Black Hills streams in the states of South Dakota and Wyoming through the roles of hatcheries, fish stocking, and natural production from 1883 to 2023. We identified three specific fisheries management time periods (eras) in the Black Hills: (1) the early management–fry stocking era (pre‐1950), (2) the catchable‐trout stocking era (1950s to mid‐1990s), and (3) the integrated management era (mid‐1990s to present). The first era emphasized juvenile trout stocking, with little evaluation of effectiveness in terms of return to creel. The second era was characterized by greater emphasis on stocking catchable‐sized trout and a substantial increase in hatchery rearing capabilities. In the first two eras, instead of fish stocking being one of many potentially useful tools for managers of Black Hills streams, stocking was the dominant activity—leading and directing fisheries management rather than supporting it. By the third era, trout management began to embody a more encompassing and complex national ideology and philosophy that more fully considered ecology, including habitat improvement, natural reproduction of trout, defining the role of fish stocking, and understanding the relationship of trout to the depauperate native (nongame) fish fauna. We also discuss the three eras in the Black Hills in relation to national trends in trout management. In contrast to many other localities, the lack of any native salmonids and the lack of native game fish species have facilitated the development of valuable, self‐sustaining recreational fisheries in streams that support trout, with less concern for native species than in many areas with harvestable native fish species. The cultural ideology that brought western expansion of settlers to the Black Hills in search of gold, land, freedom, and prosperity was emboldened by a science‐based belief and confidence in technology and industry to rapidly shape lands and waters to improve the human condition. In part, the sculpting and shaping of Mount Rushmore symbolize that ideology. In the context of fisheries management in the Black Hills, the introduction of trout, development of stream fisheries, and investment in hatchery technology to produce catchable trout for an expanding tourist economy also exemplify that prevailing ideology, modulated by improved ecological understanding and an accompanying shift toward a more ecological management philosophy.