Brook Trout Density Research Articles

Declines in Brook Trout Abundance Linked to Atmospheric Warming in Maryland, USA

Salmonid fishes provide an important indicator of climate change given their reliance on cold water. We evaluated temporal changes in the density of stream-dwelling brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) from surveys conducted over a 36-year period (1988–2023) by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in Eastern North America. Nonparametric trend analyses revealed decreasing densities of adult fish (age 1+) in 19 sites (27%) and increases in 5 sites (7%). In contrast, juvenile fish (age 0) densities decreased in 4 sites (6%) and increased in 10 sites (14%). Declining adult brook trout trends were related to atmospheric warming rates during the study period, and this relationship was stronger than the effects of land use change or non-native brown trout. In contrast, juvenile fish trends generally increased with elevation but were not related to air temperature trends or land use change. Our analysis reveals significant changes in several brook trout populations over recent decades and implicates warming atmospheric conditions in population declines. Our findings also suggest the importance of temperature for adult survival rather than recruitment limitation in brook trout population dynamics.

Reach‐scale associations between introduced Brook Trout and juvenile and stream‐resident Bull Trout in Idaho

AbstractObjectiveNative Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus populations can be influenced by a variety of stressors operating at multiple spatial scales, making the relative importance of biotic versus abiotic controls difficult to discern at small scales where monitoring and management typically occur. Nonnative Brook Trout S. fontinalis were widely introduced throughout western North America and negatively affect Bull Trout occurrence. Here, we examine reach‐scale associations between nonnative Brook Trout and juvenile and stream‐resident Bull Trout (i.e., <250 mm) abundances through the lens of a constraining threshold, where nonnative fish exceeding a certain fish density may constrain native fish abundance.MethodsWe used a large spatial data set to define the abiotic conditions in which stream‐dwelling Brook Trout and Bull Trout smaller than 250 mm typically co‐occur in Idaho. Next, we queried multipass electrofishing survey data collected in reaches with abiotic conditions suitable for both species within localized areas where their distributions overlap. We then used two‐dimensional Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests to identify threshold Brook Trout densities beyond which Bull Trout less than 250 mm were consistently rare or absent.ResultBull Trout smaller than 250 mm were rare or absent where Brook Trout density exceeded 0.54 fish/100 m2 across the full range of abiotic conditions over which both species overlapped. However, Brook Trout rarely occurred in habitats associated with high Bull Trout density (e.g., where mean August water temperatures were 8.2°C).ConclusionOur results support existing hypotheses that the long‐term co‐occurrence of Bull Trout and Brook Trout in stream reaches suitable for both species may be unstable. Because low densities of Brook Trout appear to threaten Bull Trout, additional research is needed to better understand factors driving ongoing range shifts and invasion dynamics in Bull Trout habitat. We provide a simple tool to inform where Brook Trout represent a primary threat to Bull Trout, with potential applications for future monitoring, threat assessments, and conservation efforts.

Influence of Seasonal Extreme Flows on Brook Trout Recruitment

AbstractPopulations of Brook TroutSalvelinus fontinalisexhibit large variation in annual recruitment (abundance of young of the year [age 0]), which is likely a product of density‐dependent and density‐independent factors. Quantifying the importance of each of these mechanisms in regulating Brook Trout recruitment would be valuable to managers that are responsible for the conservation of this iconic species throughout its native range. We analyzed a time series of age‐0 and adult Brook Trout density data collected from 10 streams in the Sinnemahoning Creek watershed, north‐central Pennsylvania (2010–2019), using Bayesian hierarchical modeling to partition the density‐dependent effects of adult density and the density‐independent effects of elevated streamflow on Brook Trout recruitment. Multiple models were examined, and the top‐ranked model showed that Brook Trout recruitment followed a Ricker stock–recruitment relationship, with annual recruitment negatively influenced by maximum streamflow during the spring season (March–April). This model will be useful in predicting future variation in Brook Trout recruitment under climate change scenarios in which the frequency and intensity of high‐flow events are expected to increase.

Increasing connectivity of Great Lakes tributaries: Interspecific and intraspecific effects on resident brook trout and brown trout populations

AbstractUnderstanding resident fish population responses to restored connectivity would enhance decision‐making on dam removal and fish passage. Since such evaluations are limited in the Great Lakes region of North America, we compared abundance, survival, and growth of resident brook trout and brown trout between sets of Michigan streams where populations were or were not interacting with salmonid species that might be present if connectivity existed. We analysed data from 34 electrofishing index sites to compare resident trout populations between streams without versus with Great Lakes access (and migratory Pacific salmonids), and brook trout populations in Great Lakes inaccessible (land‐locked) streams where brown trout were present versus absent. Great Lakes accessibility effects on fish density became increasingly positive for older age groups of brown trout while generally negative for all age classes of brook trout. Brown trout had consistently negative effects on brook trout density in land‐locked streams. Increased connectivity had significant effects on annual survival for only one of seven trout age classes modelled, while intraspecific density‐dependent effects on survival were significant in six models. Significant intraspecific effects on resident trout growth occurred for seven of eleven age classes examined. Negative interspecific effects of Great Lakes access on resident trout growth were most noticeable for age‐0 and age‐1 resident trout, age classes that likely compete with juvenile Pacific salmonids. Our findings provide a more robust understanding of how Great Lakes connectivity affects resident trout populations, highlighting negative influences of brown trout on brook trout and intraspecific density‐dependent effects.

The riverscape meets the soundscape: acoustic cues and habitat use by brook trout in a small stream

Hydromorphological descriptors such as substrate type, water depth, and velocity are commonly used to describe fish habitat, but few studies have focused on how underwater sounds affect habitat use by freshwater fish. We evaluated the influence of the underwater soundscape and other habitat descriptors on the spatial distribution of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in a small stream in eastern Canada. Habitat measurements were made at high spatial resolution (2.5 m intervals). High acoustical heterogeneity of stream habitats (40–150 dB re 1 μPa) was related to differences in water velocity and depth as expected from theory. Brook trout densities were positively related to broadband sound pressure levels (SPL), irrespective of water velocity and depth, but in interaction with habitat type. The positive relationship between brook trout densities and SPL could be related to the high auditory threshold of salmonid fishes. Alternatively, brook trout may use the underwater soundscape to select favourable feeding habitats. Underwater sounds integrate the many environmental dimensions of a stream and may be used by fish as cues for habitat selection.

Response of Water Chemistry and Young-of-Year Brook Trout to Channel and Watershed Liming in Streams Showing Lagging Recovery from Acidic Deposition

Reductions in sulfur emissions have initiated chemical recovery of surface waters impacted by acidic deposition in the Adirondack region of New York State. However, acidified streams remain common in the region, which limits recovery of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations. To investigate liming as a method to accelerate recovery of brook trout, the channels of two acidified streams were limed annually from 2012 to 2015, and an entire watershed of a third acidified tributary was limed by helicopter in 2013. Stream flow, water chemistry, and density of young-of-year (YOY) brook trout were measured in limed streams, an untreated acidified stream, and a buffered reference stream. Lime additions increased pH and acid-neutralizing capacity and decreased inorganic monomeric aluminum concentrations to less than 2.0 μmol/L, the minimum concentration at which in situ brook trout mortality has been documented. However, of the two channel-limed streams, only stream T8 showed a significant response (P < 0.01) in YOY density, increasing from a mean of 0.4 fish/m2 before liming to 2.7 fish/m2 after liming. No YOY brook trout response was observed in the stream within the limed watershed. Groundwater inputs to streams were identified by relative differences in temperature and concentrations of silica and sodium. YOY brook trout densities increased only in the channel-limed stream (T8) with suitable groundwater inputs for fall spawning and a summer nursery. Results suggest that targeted liming of acidified streams with the necessary groundwater habitat could be beneficial in accelerating recovery of brook trout populations.

Probabilistic relations between acid–base chemistry and fish assemblages in streams of the western Adirondack Mountains, New York, USA

Surface waters across much of New York’s Adirondack Mountains were acidified in the late 20th century but began to recover following the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act. Little data, however, are available to characterize biological impacts and predict recovery of fish assemblages in streams of the region. Quantitative fish and chemistry surveys were completed in 47 headwater streams during summer 2014–2016 to develop logistic (probabilistic) models that characterize the status of contemporary fish assemblages and predict how different nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) deposition loads may affect future fish assemblages. Models for inorganic monomeric aluminum (Ali) and richness ≥1 species and for acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) and total density &gt;400 fish/0.1 ha, total biomass &gt;1500 g/0.1 ha, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) density &gt;0 or &gt;200 fish/0.1 ha, and brook trout biomass &gt;1000 g/0.1 ha were suitable for evaluating community and population responses to changes in acid–base chemistry. Anticipated changes in national (US) secondary standards for atmospheric emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx) to achieve target N and S deposition loads will alter acid–base chemistry and the probabilities for observing various levels of fish metrics in streams across the region and elsewhere.

Relationships between indicators of acid-base chemistry and fish assemblages in streams of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The acidity of many streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) has increased significantly since pre-industrial (∼1850) times due to the effects of highly acidic atmospheric deposition in poorly buffered watersheds. Extensive stream-monitoring programs since 1993 have shown that fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages have been adversely affected in many streams across the GRSM. Matching chemistry and fishery information collected from 389 surveys performed at 52 stream sites over a 22-year period were assessed using logistic regression analysis to help inform the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s assessment of the environmental impacts of emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and sulfur (SOx). Numerous logistic equations and associated curves were derived that defined the relations between acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) or pH and different levels of community richness, density, and biomass; and density and biomass of brook trout, rainbow trout, and small prey (minnow) populations in streams of the GRSM. The equations and curves describe the status of fish assemblages in the GRSM under contemporary emission levels and deposition loads of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) and provide a means to estimate how newly proposed (and various alternative) target deposition loads, which strongly influence stream ANC, might affect key ecological indicators. Several examples using ANC, community richness, and brook trout density are presented to illustrate the steps needed to predict how future changes in stream chemistry (resulting from different target deposition loads of N and S) will affect the probabilities of observing specific levels of selected biological indicators in GRSM streams. The implications of this study to the regulation of NOx and SOx emissions, water quality, and fisheries management in streams of the GRSM are discussed, but also qualified by the fact that specific examples provided need to be further explored before recommendations concerning their use as ecological indicators could be proposed.

Simulated Effects of YY‐Male Stocking and Manual Suppression for Eradicating Nonnative Brook Trout Populations

AbstractEradication of nonnative Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis populations is difficult to achieve with standard techniques, such as electrofishing removal or piscicides; new approaches are needed. A novel concept is to stock “supermale” hatchery fish with wild conspecifics. Supermales (MYY) have two Y‐chromosomes, resulting in offspring that are all males; over time, successful supermale reproduction could eradicate the wild population. We constructed an age‐structured stochastic model to investigate the effects of manually suppressing wild fish and stocking MYY fingerlings on the long‐term viability of hypothetical nonnative Brook Trout populations. In streams, an annual stocking rate of supermales equivalent to 50% of wild age‐0 Brook Trout density combined with an annual selective suppression rate equivalent to 50% of wild Brook Trout density resulted in a time to extirpation of only 2–4 years if supermale fitness was equivalent to wild male fitness. However, time to extirpation in streams was 5–15 years if supermale fitness was 80% lower than wild male fitness. In alpine lakes, higher supermale stocking rates and nonselective gillnetting were required to eradicate Brook Trout populations. If supermales were assumed to be as fit as wild males, however, any supermale stocking rate greater than 49% in alpine lakes or 60% in streams achieved eradication in 10 years or less, regardless of the suppression rate. Because manual suppression and the stocking of MYY fingerlings can readily be conducted at the levels assumed in our simulations, use of such an integrated pest management (IPM) approach could extirpate undesirable Brook Trout populations within reasonably short periods of time. Given the recent successful development of an MYY Brook Trout broodstock capable of producing large numbers of MYY fingerlings and given the positive results of the present simulations for both streams and alpine lakes, field testing of MYY stocking is warranted within an IPM program that includes manual suppression for eradicating undesirable Brook Trout populations.Received October 14, 2016; accepted June 10, 2017 Published online August 22, 2017

The effects of population density and lake characteristics on growth and size structure of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1815) in boreal forest lakes in Canada

This paper examines the effect of lake characteristics on population density and how this variation affects growth, mortality and population size structure of brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis. The study was conducted on 17 recreationally fished, reproductively isolated boreal forest lakes in Newfoundland, Canada from 1993 to 2000. A standardized sampling program, the Fyke Littoral Index Netting program (FLIN) was used to collected data that describes brook trout population parameters and life history attributes. Regression analyses showed significant relationships between fish density and biomass and characteristics of the lakes. Variation in fish density and biomass was explained by lake surface area and littoral habitat area. Significant relationships were found when growth, mortality and size structure were regressed against density. The proportional stock distribution and theoretical maximum size of brook trout were negatively related to density, and natural mortality was positively related to density. The largest maximum length and highest proportional stock densities occurred at brook trout densities of less than 30 fish/ha. In general, the higher the proportion of littoral habitat area the higher the densities of brook trout, which correspondingly had important effects on growth, natural mortality and size structure of the brook trout populations. This information is critical to the development of management strategies aimed at altering size distribution to produce specific fisheries management outcomes.

Recovery of Native Brook Trout Populations Following the Eradication of Nonnative Rainbow Trout in Southern Appalachian Mountains Streams

AbstractNonnative Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss have displaced native Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis in many southern Appalachian Mountains streams. We monitored the population recovery of Brook Trout following Rainbow Trout eradication at 10 sites in seven allopatric Rainbow Trout streams located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. Rainbow Trout were successfully eradicated by electrofishing or Fintrol (also known as antimycin‐A), and Brook Trout were reintroduced at low densities (39–156 fish/km) from streams located within the park. Within 2 years after reintroduction, the density and biomass of adult Brook Trout recovered to levels comparable to the prerestoration density and biomass of Rainbow Trout. Spawning in the first autumn after reintroduction was assumed by the presence of young‐of‐the‐year fish in seven out of nine sites surveyed during the following summer. Brook Trout density and biomass 3–5 years after restoration did not significantly differ from those in natural allopatric populations within the park in young‐of‐the‐year fish but were significantly lower in adults. Individual body size of adult and young‐of‐the‐year fish were density dependent after restoration, indicating that Brook Trout populations had recovered to a point that habitat saturation triggered intraspecific competition. We conclude that Rainbow Trout removal has been a viable management technique to restore Brook Trout populations in the park.Received March 4, 2016; accepted July 17, 2016 Published online October 20, 2016

Effects of reduced summer flows on the brook trout population and temperatures of a groundwater‐influenced stream

AbstractWithdrawal of water from streams and groundwater is increasing in Midwestern North America and is a potential threat to coldwater fishes. We examined the effects of summer water withdrawals on brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis populations and water warming rates by diverting 50–90% of summer baseflow from a 602‐m treatment zone (TZ) in a groundwater‐influenced Michigan stream during 1991–1998. We compared density of brook trout in fall, and spring‐to‐fall growth and survival of brook trout, between the TZ and an adjacent reference zone (RZ) whose flows were not altered. Flow reductions had no significant effects on the density of brook trout in fall or spring‐to‐fall survival of brook trout. However, spring‐to‐fall growth of brook trout in the TZ declined significantly when 75% flow reductions occurred. Cold upstream temperatures and the relatively short study reach kept thermal habitat conditions excellent for brook trout in the TZ throughout the dewatering experiments. These findings suggest that brook trout can tolerate some seasonal loss of physical habitat if temperature conditions remain suitable. In summer 1999, we experimentally assessed the influence of flow reduction on the warming rate through the TZ by diverting from 0% to 90% of flow around the TZ in 3‐ or 4‐day trials on a randomised schedule. Average daily temperature increased exponentially as stream flows declined from normal summer levels. Our findings suggest the risk of trout habitat loss from dewatering is potentially large and proportional to the magnitude of withdrawal, especially as thermal conditions approach critical levels for trout.

Acid mine drainage and stream recovery: Effects of restoration on water quality, macroinvertebrates, and fish

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a prominent threat to water quality in many of the world’s mining districts as it can severely degrade both the biological community and physical habitat of receiving streams. There are relatively few long-term studies investigating the ability of stream ecosystems to recover from AMD. Here we assess watershed scale recovery of a cold-water stream from pollution by AMD using a 1967 survey of the biological and chemical properties of the stream as a pre-restoration benchmark. We sampled water chemistry, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish throughout the watershed during the spring and summer of 2011. Water chemistry results indicated that pH and total alkalinity increased post-restoration, while acidity, sulfate, and iron concentrations decreased. Watershed-level taxa richness, local taxa richness, biomass, diversity, and density of macroinvertebrates were significantly higher post-restoration; however, %EPT was not significantly different. Fish species richness, density, and brook trout density were all significantly higher post-restoration. These results provide clear evidence that both abiotic and biotic components of streams can recover from AMD pollution.

Thermal onset of cellular and endocrine stress responses correspond to ecological limits in brook trout, an iconic cold-water fish.

Climate change is predicted to change the distribution and abundance of species, yet underlying physiological mechanisms are complex and methods for detecting populations at risk from rising temperature are poorly developed. There is increasing interest in using physiological mediators of the stress response as indicators of individual and population-level response to environmental stressors. Here, we use laboratory experiments to show that the temperature thresholds in brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) for increased gill heat shock protein-70 (20.7°C) and plasma glucose (21.2°C) are similar to their proposed thermal ecological limit of 21.0°C. Field assays demonstrated increased plasma glucose, cortisol and heat shock protein-70 concentrations at field sites where mean daily temperature exceeded 21.0°C. Furthermore, population densities of brook trout were lowest at field sites where temperatures were warm enough to induce a stress response, and a co-occurring species with a higher thermal tolerance showed no evidence of physiological stress at a warm site. The congruence of stress responses and proposed thermal limits supports the use of these thresholds in models of changes in trout distribution under climate change scenarios and suggests that the induction of the stress response by elevated temperature may play a key role in driving the distribution of species.

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics in Brook Trout Density: Implications for Population Monitoring

AbstractMany potential stressors to aquatic environments operate over large spatial scales, prompting the need to assess and monitor both site‐specific and regional dynamics of fish populations. We used hierarchical Bayesian models to evaluate the spatial and temporal variability in density and capture probability of age‐1 and older Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis from three‐pass removal data collected at 291 sites over a 37‐year time period (1975–2011) in Pennsylvania streams. There was high between‐year variability in density, with annual posterior means ranging from 2.1 to 10.2 fish/100 m2; however, there was no significant long‐term linear trend. Brook Trout density was positively correlated with elevation and negatively correlated with percent developed land use in the network catchment. Probability of capture did not vary substantially across sites or years but was negatively correlated with mean stream width. Because of the low spatiotemporal variation in capture probability and a strong correlation between first‐pass CPUE (catch/min) and three‐pass removal density estimates, the use of an abundance index based on first‐pass CPUE could represent a cost‐effective alternative to conducting multiple‐pass removal sampling for some Brook Trout monitoring and assessment objectives. Single‐pass indices may be particularly relevant for monitoring objectives that do not require precise site‐specific estimates, such as regional monitoring programs that are designed to detect long‐term linear trends in density.Received April 22, 2013; accepted September 18, 2013

Sympatric relationship between redband trout and non-native brook trout in the Southeastern Oregon Great Basin

Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) have been widely introduced outside their respective ranges within North America causing declines and displacement of native trout. Yet, successful coexistence of native and non-native trout has received little attention. Here we evaluated the effect of introduced brook trout on the size and density of native redband trout in two invaded sub-basins in southeastern Oregon. In a multi-year study, we investigated whether habitat and fish communities differed between streams and stream reaches where redband trout were allopatric versus where redband trout were sympatric with brook trout. We hypothesized that redband trout would be less dense and have smaller total length in sympatry with brook trout than in allopatry, but that total trout density would not differ. We investigated whether differences in habitat existed between sympatric and allopatric locations that would indicate differentiation in site level habitat preferences for each trout species. We found that sympatric locations had more wood but similar fish community structure. Mean length and densities of redband trout were higher at allopatric locations. However, in most years at sympatric locations total trout density was twice that of allopatric redband trout sites. Using comparable data from an eastern United States system where brook trout are native, sympatric sites had lower densities of brook trout; however, total trout density did not differ. We conclude that invading trout negatively impact native trout densities; but in southeastern Oregon system the negative impact is minimized.

Combining Field Data With Computer Simulations to Determine a Representative Reach for Brook Trout Assessment

Abstract Fisheries biologists often use backpack electrofishing to sample stream fish. A common goal of sampling is to estimate density and/or biomass to make inferences about the status and trends of fish populations. One challenge when estimating population size is determining an appropriate site or reach length to sample. In this study, we empirically determined the required length of stream that needs to be sampled, assuming the study design is one site per stream, in order to achieve a desired level of accuracy for brook trout density and biomass estimates in Pennsylvania headwater streams. Long sample reaches (600 m) were chosen on seven first to third order streams and these sites were broken into twelve 50-m subreaches. Each subreach was sampled by removal electrofishing techniques until either five electrofishing passes were completed or no brook trout were captured. The total density and biomass of brook trout over all 50-m subreaches was considered the “true” density and biomass for the entire reach. We then performed computer simulations in which various numbers of 50-m subreaches were randomly selected and catches from each subreach were summed within the first three electrofishing passes to simulate removal sampling of site lengths ranging from 50 to 550 m. Population estimates were made using a removal estimator and density and biomass were calculated using various stratification schemes based on fish age and size. Estimates of density and biomass were then compared to the true values to assess the possible range in bias of estimates for a given reach length. Results from our simulations suggest a 200- to 250-m-long or a 400- to 450-m-long stream reach or site is needed to estimate brook trout density and biomass within 50% and 25%, respectively, of the true density and biomass. This information and our methodology will be valuable to fisheries managers in developing standardized protocols for assessing trout populations in small streams.

‘Fishing’ for Alternatives to Mountaintop Mining in Southern West Virginia

Mountaintop removal mining (MTR) is a major industry in southern West Virginia with many detrimental effects for small to mid-sized streams, and interest in alternative, sustainable industries is on the rise. As a first step in a larger effort to assess the value of sport fisheries in southern West Virginia, we estimate the potential abundances of two popular sport fishes-smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)-in the Coal River Basin (CRB). A self-thinning model that incorporates net primary production and terrestrial insect subsidies is first used to predict potential densities of adult (age 1+) smallmouth bass and brook trout. Predicted densities (fish ha(-1)) are then multiplied by the surface area of the CRB stream network (ha) to estimate regional abundance. Median predicted abundances of bass and trout are 38806 and 118094 fish (total abundances with the CRB), respectively. However, when streams that intersect permitted MTR areas in the CRB are removed from the dataset, predicted abundances of bass and trout decrease by ~12-14%. We conclude that significant potential exists in the CRB to capitalize on sport fisheries, but MTR may be undermining this potential.

Assessing the Effects of Catch‐and‐Release Regulations on a Brook Trout Population Using an Age‐Structured Model

AbstractAs populations of wild brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis decline across the species' native range in North America, angling regulations such as fly‐fishing only and catch and release are being used by management agencies to conserve fish while maintaining angling opportunities. Postrelease (hooking) mortality may significantly shift the age structure and size structure of populations. To assess the possible influence of catch‐and‐release fishing on brook trout population structure, we applied data from several sources to build a deterministic population model that included age‐classes up to age 5. To assess the potential effect of fishing, we examined the changes in population density and age structure at varying levels of angler effort (0–400 angler‐hours·ha−1·year−1) and hooking mortality rates (0–14%). Assuming a low (5%) hooking mortality rate, trophy brook trout density (ages 4 and 5) decreased by 50% at an angling intensity of 160 angler‐hours·ha−1·year−1. As angling effort increased, the proportion of older fish (ages 3–5) declined further. At very high levels of angling effort (&gt;300 angler‐hours·ha−1·year−1), age‐4 and age‐5 fish were eliminated from the population. Increases in postrelease mortality rates resulted in similar declines for older age‐classes. The results of this simulation indicate that hooking mortality rates as might be common in catch‐and‐release fisheries may significantly shift the age structure of a population, thus reducing trophy angling potential.

Brook Trout Removal as a Conservation Tool to Restore Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout

Abstract Nonnative brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis are abundant in Pine Creek and its main tributary, Bogard Spring Creek, California. These creeks historically provided the most spawning and rearing habitat for endemic Eagle Lake rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss aquilarum. Three-pass electrofishing removal was conducted in 2007–2009 over the entire 2.8-km length of Bogard Spring Creek to determine whether brook trout removal was a feasible restoration tool and to document the life history characteristics of brook trout in a California meadow stream. After the first 2 years of removal, brook trout density and biomass were severely reduced from 15,803 to 1,192 fish/ha and from 277 to 31 kg/ha, respectively. Average removal efficiency was 92–97%, and most of the remaining fish were removed in the third year. The lack of a decrease in age-0 brook trout abundance between 2007 and 2008 after the removal of more than 4,000 adults in 2007 suggests compensatory reproduction of mature fish that survived and hig...