Telemetry-determined Diurnal Positions of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) in Two South-central Wyoming Streams

Abstract

-Positions of 51 adult brown trout in two streams were monitored to evaluate habitat use from mid-June to early December 1991 using radio telemetry. Nearly all brown trout occupied more-than one location during the study. Brown trout tended to occupy habitats in deep water near the bank and close to cover. In Douglas Creek, habitat and cover influenced by beaver activity were used in excess of their abundance, whereas in South French Creek, sites with coarse woody debris were used disproportionately. Measures of water velocity did not consistently distinguish used from available habitats, and the importance of water velocity may have been overshadowed by selection for overhead cover.