Rate of Exploitation of Wild Eastern Brook Trout and Brown Trout Populations in the Pigeon River, Otsego County, Michigan

Abstract

The Pigeon River Trout Research Area contains 4.8 miles of trout stream averaging 40 feet in width. In this area a complete census of fishing is accomplished by means of a compulsory permit system. Estimates of the wild trout population were made in September of 1949 and of 1950 immediately following the close of the trout season. Comparison of the total catch with the population remaining at the close of the season indicates that wild eastern brook trout are much easier to exploit than wild brown trout. Combining data for 1949 and 1950, anglers took 3.0 brook trout for each one remaining at the close of the season. For brown trout, only 0.4 fish was caught for each one remaining.