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About Trout
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2016/04 - April
While Powell Wheeler’s job with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission focuses on anything that relates to fishing in public rivers, ponds, lakes, and streams, he has a special place in his heart for the out-of-the-way places where native brook trout dwell.
Sometimes these populations are very isolated, which plays havoc with genetic diversity. These isolated streams are frequently on private land. At the invitation of landowners, Wheeler can visit and offer suggestions for restoring these important habitats.
To facilitate his passion for brook trout rejuvenation, he uses sampling equipment called a backpack shocker. While the word “shocker” might raise eyebrows, Wheeler assures us it is perfectly safe. An electrical current buzzes the water and the fish in the vicinity are knocked unconscious for a few seconds and pop to the surface. Wheeler nets the trout and takes a tiny snip off each tail fin, labels it, releases the fish, and sends the sample to the fish genetics lab to determine that fish’s family tree. Did it descend from New England trout introduced to North Carolina waters? Does it show signs of inbreeding? Is it a genetically sound specimen? Are all the fish in the sample healthy and the ecosystem balanced?
These data help point the Wildlife Resources Commission in the right direction for trout stockings, better regulations, and for restoring native trout populations. While Wheeler does the backpack shocking mostly in public waters, he wants to help landowners restore their waterways as well. In doing so, it ultimately supports the entire state’s network of interlocking water systems.
If you have brook trout, invite Wheeler to your property. He’ll put on his Sherlock Holmes cap, and help you do some detective work on your own fish habitat. Email him at [email protected]. For more information about North Carolina trout, visit ncwildlife.org/fishing/trout,
