AUTHORS: April Simmons, MI Department of Natural Resources; Jeffrey Jolley, PhD, MI Department of Natural Resources; Christopher Vandergoot, PhD, Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System
ABSTRACT: Angler reports have indicated a recent increase in lake-run Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) catches in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. This observation has garnered interest because Lake Huron stocking efforts ended in 2011 due to poor recruitment, but stocking has been maintained in some upstream tributary reaches. Genetic analysis of lake-run fish suggest fish observed in Saginaw Bay likely originated from ongoing stockings in the Rifle River. We will present the May 2024 pilot study phase results of an acoustic telemetry study scheduled to begin in spring 2025. The study aims to identify the source, strain, and migration patterns of lake-run Brown Trout, as well as assess their growth. This research may provide insights into future Brown Trout management strategies in the Great Lakes to benefit both river and lake anglers.
