WV Wildlife: Native Brook Trout and Shavers Fork Restoration

Shavers Fork in Randolph County is a legendary Eastern Brook Trout stream. While both stocked and native trout are in these waters, it used to be an even better fishery. Logging timber out of here in the late 1800s and 1900s widened the stream, filled it up with sediment and damaged the smaller tributaries--which is crucial for a healthy trout system. Fewer trees along the edges also allowed more sun to reach this high-elevation stream, which causes the water temperature to rise faster in the spring and summer. (WCHS/WVAH)