Steelhead monitoring in Trout Creek is worth continuing because of the importance of this population in the Wind River and to the ESU as a whole. It is a core population, with no hatchery influence, and a good long-term monitoring database. Much of the project's cost is in the resistivity counter itself. There is no reason to fund this particular proposal if Hemlock Dam is not removed (fish are currently monitored at the fish ladder), and therefore funding should be contingent on a firm commitment to remove or breach the dam.

Although the ISRP is not asking for a response, the recommendation for this proposal is qualified because the sponsors should carefully examine the crump weir design in this high-energy stream setting (ability to withstand high flows carrying coarse sediment and large woody debris, and to resist scour damage), weir location, and potential cost sharing. A well-designed weir could potentially allow for PIT-tag detection if suitable modifications are included. Project staff should consider locating the weir downstream from the Hemlock Dam site in order to document adult salmon and steelhead use of lower Trout Creek.