Fecundity of Hatchery and Wild Lake Trout in Lake Superior

Abstract

Fecundity (egg number) was determined from 32 hatchery (623–889 mm) and 24 wild (623–892 mm) lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycusri) collected in inshore waters of Lake Superior during 1977–1983. The only previous fecundity data were for native stocks sampled in the early 1950s. Fecundity of contemporary hatchery and wild lake trout was not significantly different so data were combined for the following relationships with total length (TL) and body weight (W). Fecundity = − 19,019 + 34.26 TL ( mm ) Fecundity = − 3,400 + 2,450 W ( kg ) Fecundity determined for contemporary lake trout was consistently greater than for former native stocks but a significant difference could not be established. Selection and culture of broodstock and better growth were possible reasons for the apparent greater fecundity of contemporary lake trout in Lake Superior.