Open canopy, and fairly shallow water, means that light can reach the river benthos, increasing in-stream primary productivity. Very large rivers are usually low gradient and very wide ...

One of the most important features of a trout stream is the gradient or drop in elevation over a distance. The West Branch of the Ausable has a gradient of 4,000 feet in a little over 40 miles.

Ten rock cross vanes will hold the stream gradient and move the flow to the center of the channel. Excellent fish habitat is often created immediately below cross vanes. Seven stone deflectors ...