CHEYENNE - Fish like clean water. That’s why close to 1,500 brown trout stocked April 9 are doing well in Crow Creek downstream from Cheyenne’s two water reclamation plants.

Prior to the reclamation plant improvements, the discharges contained ammonia and chlorine levels that were toxic to trout. The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities began planning improvements to the plants in July 2001 and the upgrades were completed in May 2006.

"With the recently completed improvements to the plants, the ammonia levels of the water released into Crow Creek are now negligible and chlorine is completely absent," said Tom Annear, water management coordinator for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

That’s what prompted the Game and Fish to stock the fingerling, 4- to 5-inch brown trout downstream from the reclamation plants on the southeast edge of Cheyenne. Native minnows, such as creek chubs and fathead minnows, have already established in the creek with the improved water quality.

"The water reclamation facilities restore value and usefulness to a growing volume of water, which was once considered waste, to keep pace with the city’s expanding population," said Clint Bassett, spokesman for the Board of Public Utilities.

Annear adds the recently stocked fish won’t be big enough to catch until next year. "But the future looks bright for these new Crow Creek residents," Annear said. "Crow Creek’s improved water quality is a tribute to Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities making the investment in the plant for the benefit of the community and its wildlife."

On April 9, 500 brown trout were also stocked in the Optimist Park area of Crow Creek. The Game and Fish has been stocking and managing a brown trout fishery upstream of Central Avenue for many years. "Unbeknownst to most city residents, the stream hosts brown trout up to 16 inches, nearly 2 pounds," Annear said.

(contact: Tom Annear (307) 777-4600 or Clint Bassett, Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities (307) 637-6415)