How get a reproducing population of trout

[Chris I]

I've always been under the impression that stocked fish, trout in particular do not reproduce. I'm sure there is much debate on that topic, I really have no idea so hope to learn.

IF that is the case how do folks bring these ponds/streams back to life with fish that a population that is naturally reproducing on their own?

[gmorin71]

I dont think its debatable at all, stocked trout definitely reproduce. there are several systems throughout the country that stock sterile trout that don't reproduce, but you can look up where those are put in.

New York is slowly changing their tune on the program. Their mission right now is simply tons of fish and tons of stocking. meetings are happening right now that are aimed at habitat reconstruction and rehabilitation to help support more wild fisheries. so the answer to the second part is just that...we need to improve and support the habitat

[mgc]

Originally Posted by gmorin71

I dont think its debatable at all, stocked trout definitely reproduce. there are several systems throughout the country that stock sterile trout that don't reproduce, but you can look up where those are put in.

New York is slowly changing their tune on the program. Their mission right now is simply tons of fish and tons of stocking. meetings are happening right now that are aimed at habitat reconstruction and rehabilitation to help support more wild fisheries. so the answer to the second part is just that...we need to improve and support the habitat

Yes....
My son lives out here in Idaho and makes a good part of his living doing stream remediation and improvement. Landowners and the state each are willing to fund these endeavors due to the successful results that are achieved. He has also been up into Washington state for the same efforts. I have seen the work they do...the results are impressive. If NYS spent more time focussing on the habitat they would need to grow fewer fish for the folks that follow the stocking trucks with corn and marshmallow baited hooks.
Shutting down coal plants again is also helpful.

Another interesting one...in the 40's and 50's Wyoming hauled barrels of trout into some "Winds" alpine ponds using horses, pack mules, helicopters. They stopped doing this 70 years ago but those ponds are plumb full of fine hungry fish. Goldens, cutthroats...if you know where these ponds are the fishing is pretty great.

[ADKpikebuster]

Dump some PBR and viagra in the water, works in the trailer park I figure it’ll work in the ponds

[gmorin71]

Originally Posted by ADKpikebuster

Dump some PBR and viagra in the water, works in the trailer park I figure it’ll work in the ponds

why are we not immediately funding this

[Chris I]

Thanks for the responses!

[Tug Hill]

Any plan that wants to improve trout habitat and water quality must include beaver eradication on tributaries

of the Salmon River, East Branch of Fish Creek, etc..
Beavers have almost single handed destroyed the water quality , spawning habitat, and shade integrity of these and other brook trout waters.

[bassanglers912]

So, on our river, there hasn't been any stocking of these in recent years according to the stocking lists by the DEC. However, old information indicates that they were stocked a while ago, so they are either heritage (which i doubt) or a success of the stocking program. We got these in October, with my wife out-fishing me 3-1!

[Woodly]

Real nice fish for sure.

[vtpaws]

Originally Posted by Chris I

I've always been under the impression that stocked fish, trout in particular do not reproduce. I'm sure there is much debate on that topic, I really have no idea so hope to learn.



IF that is the case how do folks bring these ponds/streams back to life with fish that a population that is naturally reproducing on their own?

Three years ago I bought 20 fingerling Brookies through a local farm store and put them in my spring fed pond. When I go down to the pond this time of year, you can see the gravel spawning beds. They spawn - even in my pond.