PA vs WV Brown Trout Populations

[nd1001]

Consider that West Virginia manages native brook trout using whole-watershed connectivity strategies, while Pennsylvania faces greater habitat fragmentation and narrower reach-by-reach management.

I believe this is the biggest factor.

Fully agree, TU and EBTJV have done some great things in WV. The Potomac headwaters brook trout are doing well.

 

[cfarr]

Consider that West Virginia manages native brook trout using whole-watershed connectivity strategies, while Pennsylvania faces greater habitat fragmentation and narrower reach-by-reach management.

I believe this is the biggest factor.

We even have two whole watersheds protected for wild non native trout! Every one of those protected watersheds are a blast to fish as well. It’s a nice change to see brookies in nice sized streams compared to their headwater trickles that many are confined to. The Savage is in a similar boat, and is another of my favorite to fish.

 

[wildtrout2]

We even have two whole watersheds protected for wild non native trout! Every one of those protected watersheds are a blast to fish as well. It’s a nice change to see brookies in nice sized streams compared to their headwater trickles that many are confined to.

I have noticed a lot of the WV streams Jon fishes are much larger streams than your typical PA native brook trout stream.

 

[rustbeltwilds]

Yeah and like a previous poster said i think a few of the streams he fishes sre indeed reclaimed streams or primarily mrginal waters atkeast for the browns

 

[Swattie87]

There’s spots like that in PA fellas. The fish are marginally smaller in PA (see discussion above), but Brookies (and little, to no Browns) in streams 50+ feet across definitely occur in PA. (Though there are probably more places like this in WV.)

 

[Swattie87]

For example, these fish, came from this stream. In PA.

 

[jifigz]

For example, these fish, came from this stream. In PA.

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That there is a nice looking creek, and those are some mighty fine looking brookies.

 

[cfarr]

For example, these fish, came from this stream. In PA.

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That stream reminds me of Potomac Headwaters creeks. Looks beautiful.

Here are a couple of high elevation brookie streams I love fishing in WV.

 

[wildtrout2]

For example, these fish, came from this stream. In PA.

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Nice looking brookies! IMO, Jon's right when he says natives are the prettiest of all the trouts.

 

[FisherOfMen]

For example, these fish, came from this stream. In PA.

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I could catch fish like that all day and just be happy.

Pennsylvania is lacking in certain things compared to WV. However I can tell you that equally WV is lacking when compared to PA also.