Relative catch ability and performance of three strains of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, in a small fishery

Abstract

Abstract. The performances of two strains of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, and a hybrid were assessed in a put-and-take fishery against stock from the normal supplier. The three batches of experimental fish were reared to the size usually stocked in the fishery and they and two batches of the normal stock fish were given distinctive dye-marks using a Panjet inoculator. Anglers’ returns were analysed and demonstrated that there were significant differences in the catchability of the various types of fish throughout the trial period. There was no apparent difference between strains in their susceptibility to the fly-fishing methods employed, nor between their growth rates whilst in the fishery, despite the clear superiority of some genotypes under fish-farm conditions. These factors are discussed in relation to the management of put-and-take trout fisheries.