The Evolution of Trout Stream Management in the Black Hills, 1883–2023, as Evidenced Through Hatchery Activities and Stocking.

This article reviews the evolution of trout management philosophies and policies in the Black Hills region of South Dakota and Wyoming from 1883 to 2023, focusing on hatchery use, fish stocking, and natural trout production. It identifies three management eras: (1) the early fry stocking era (pre-1950) emphasizing juvenile trout stocking with limited evaluation; (2) the catchable-trout stocking era (1950s to mid-1990s) marked by increased hatchery capacity and stocking of larger, catchable-sized trout; and (3) the integrated management era (mid-1990s to present), which incorporates ecological considerations such as habitat improvement and natural reproduction while reducing stream stocking. The Black Hills, lacking native salmonids and game fish, present a unique case where nonnative trout stocking has supported valuable recreational fisheries with less conflict over native species than in other regions. Recent management balances continued trout stocking—now primarily in lakes and reservoirs—with habitat restoration and growing attention to native nongame fish ecology amid ongoing environmental and social challenges.