Native Brook Trout Stocked in South Creek, South Branch Vermillion River Tributaries
While the Vermillion River is known for its trophy brown trout, brook trout (“brookies”) are native to Minnesota. Historical records indicate brook trout stocking efforts dating back to the late-1800’s, but unfortunately the brook trout population never became self-sustaining. Brook trout are more sensitive to pollutants and other stressors than browns and other trout species. The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) and partners’ efforts to improve river and tributary conditions encouraged the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to stock a couple tributaries with brookies on May 13, 2024.
According to DNR East Metro Area Fisheries Supervisor T.J. DeBates, the brook trout recently stocked in the South Creek and South Branch tributaries are of the Minnesota Driftless strain, referring to the Driftless Area that is home to many of the state’s coldwater trout streams. The trout are one year old and bred to survive in the same coldwater conditions that sustain the brown trout. The goal is to build a new self-sustaining brook trout population.