Resident urges Lahontan cutthroat trout stocking in Willow Creek; state survey to inform decision

A resident petitioner told the Alpine County Fishing and Game Commission on June 10 that Willow Creek is suitable for stocking with Lahontan cutthroat trout and urged the state to proceed, while commission staff said a state survey will be conducted before any decision.

Gary Smith, who identified himself as a resident and the author of Petition 2022-13 to the California State Fish and Game Commission, said the petition was accepted by the state commission in 2024 and became law in 2025. “I think the best fish for Willow Creek is the Lahontan cutthroat trout,” Smith said, pointing to measured summer water temperatures (about 53–55 degrees Fahrenheit) and habitat observations he had made.

Why it matters: Stocking decisions affect local fisheries management, species restoration possibilities and recreational access. Petition 2022-13 specifically sought state consideration for Willow Creek; the county commission’s role is advisory and contingent on state fish biologists’ findings and hatchery capacity.

State survey planned: A commissioner reported that state biologist Ben Ewing will conduct an electrofishing survey to estimate wild fish populations in the Willow Creek area, probably in late July or August. Commission staff cautioned that California’s hatchery resources and available fish are reduced this year, which may limit stocking capacity.

Claims and responses: Smith argued that Willow Creek’s summer water temperatures and habitat are within the documented ideal range for Lahontan cutthroat trout growth. A commissioner noted that the state’s decision will be based on population counts from the electrofishing survey and current state resources; no formal state commitment to stock was recorded during the meeting.

Volunteers and signage: Smith encouraged volunteers to act as informal stewards and help monitor and report catches; the commission said it plans to install signage at the Willow Creek confluence and that the state would notify the petitioner about survey scheduling.

Next steps: The commission will await the results of Ben Ewing’s electrofishing survey to determine whether the state will proceed with stocking. Any donation or volunteer offers to help with stocking or monitoring would need to be coordinated with the state and county and respect legal and logistical limits explained by staff at the meeting.

Closing: The commission thanked Smith for his presentation and information; staff will track the state survey schedule and report back to the commission.