This section of the East Verde is a high priority management unit for both its rainbow trout fishery and the native aquatic species it supports. Work to improve habitat for the benefit of both trout and native species is being considered. The AZGFD will continue to stock rainbow trout in this intensively fished section of the East Verde River. Changes in the way the Salt River Project operates C.C. Cragin Reservoir may result in increased flow through the East Verde River during summer months, which could improve habitat for trout and other native aquatic species. Chiricahua leopard frogs could potentially move down into this section of the East Verde from the headwaters or other tributaries, but if the frogs do spread to that extent, impacts from fish would not be detrimental to species overall recovery. This portion of the East Verde River supported a sizeable population of narrow-headed gartersnakes in the mid-1980s, but the last record of the species in the East Verde occurred in 1992. The East Verde River was proposed as Critical Habitat for narrow-headed gartersnakes in 2013, and it is possible some of the snakes may still remain in the drainage or that they may be reintroduced at some time. Management for rainbow trout is compatible with narrow-headed gartersnakes since trout are suitable prey species.
