James River Spotlight: Brook Trout

James River Spotlight: Brook Trout

The brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), affectionately known as “brookies,” are a beloved species found in the cool, spring-fed streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains, particularly in the upper James River watershed. They thrive in remote, shaded headwater streams with cold, well-oxygenated water, habitats that are increasingly rare due to rising temperatures and human development. Brook trout are also considered a key indicator species, meaning t…