When look for what might be a potential brook trout
stream one of the most important things to look at initially is
the conditions of the banks and the shape of the streambed. An
ideal stream with a stable hydrology will often reveal this in
its bank conditions. One of the first things to look for is the
high-water line. This is highest point on the bank to which flows
have risen, which is usually revealed by bank-side vegetation
that looks as if it has been swept to face downstream. In streams
with particularly violent high flows, this can be revealed by
scars and stripped bark on the trees as is the case here, on Sulfur
Springs:
In ideal conditions, there would be almost no high-water
line, signifying a stable stream flow that does not experience
the flood spikes that prevent successful spawning and can be damaging
to trout habitat.
Stable flow can also be revealed by mossy rocks (not
algae covered) in the stream and mossy vegetation on the banks
all the way up to the edge of the stream. This can be seen clearly
in Spring Brook, where stable channel conditions has allowed for
extensive growth of moss on rocks throughout the streambed:
Another sign of a stable channel can be seen in streams
with many consistent bends. These meanders show that the stream
has been in a stable existence for a long time. Once again, Spring
Brook is a perfect example of this as can be seen in this photo
of one of its meanders:
Along with implying stability of stream flow, meanders
provide undercut pools and gravel beds-- important habitat for
Ohio brook trout.
