PA vs WV Brown Trout Populations

[cfarr]

Hey y’all, just wanted to spitball something I’ve been thinking about lately. Why do brown trout seem to thrive and become a problem in PA, but not particularly WV? Here in WV, it’s a genuine struggle to find a wild brown trout streams. I’m not saying that I wish brown trout took over more brookie streams in WV, but I’m just wondering what the difference is between the two states. Could it be the management practices between the states, or is it just a geological thing? Would love some insight from you all.

 

[CLSports]

I would say Geology. Just compare the state geologic maps and notice the difference in the limestone areas.

 

[cfarr]

I would say Geology. Just compare the state geologic maps and notice the difference in the limestone areas.

I had figured geology played a big part. WV’s big limestone streams have large brown trout populations as well, but we don’t have many.

 

[troutbert]

Probably geology. Limestone streams are very strongly dominated by brown trout.

Even among the freestone streams, there is a wide range of fertile vs infertile streams. The freestoners on the fertile side support both browns and brookies. Those on the infertile side support only brook trout, not brown trout. The extremely infertile freestoners support no fish at all.

 

[FisherOfMen]

Yes geology but also:
WV stocks over 1 million trout per year with 80 percent being rainbows. The remaining 20 percent are brown, brook and tiger.

PA stocked 3.2 million trout. Almost 700000 brown trout from state hatcheries. I dont know how many from other sources.

Pennsylvania stocks a lot more brown trout than WV. Every year.