The Restoration of a River to Gold Medal Quality Waters

Improving the habitat is not just pushing around a few big rocks in the river. Careful study of the river by experts determines what can be done.

Balancing the potentials of water flow is the first area of concern. Fish dams, rock clusters, and dead falls must be mapped out to take advantage of the natural terrain. Fish dams create slow moving water are designed with natural spillways that make deep pools. The result; fast moving water from the spillway moves small gravel to create shallow riffles downstream.

The second area to consider, now that we have created a variety of water speeds and resting areas for the fish, is food supply. No matter how expertly the rocks have been placed, fish won't stay unless the food supply is consistent and abundant. Downed trees, submerged hay bales and brushy areas are encouraged to improve the amount of naturally occurring insect life. This all important component is the ultimate limiting factor in the gold medal definition; 12 trout over 14" per acre with 60 pounds of fish per surface acre.

All of these physical improvements to the habitat have to be maintained, of which we are happy to do. Harmel's Ranch Resort has been very fortunate to have started out with the blank canvas and we were able to create Mother Nature's true masterpiece; gold medal quality waters!

This year we are continuing our stocking program as we have since 2007. Instead of filling the river with 300-400 trout at the beginning of the season, as we did from 1999-2006, we are spreading it out.  Harmel's will be stocking 100 trophy sized rainbow trout in the river at the beginning of the months June, July and August.  Be prepared to catch some of those hungry trout!