Counting Trout

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game wants to know how many hatchery trout anglers are catching. Biologists will be releasing different strains of rainbow trout in several reservoirs across Idaho. The goal of the study is to maximize fish harvest by anglers. The fish will be stocked during the week of April 7 or thereafter, depending on ice conditions at each reservoir. Specific stocking locations include the following reservoirs: Island Park, Paddock, Devils Creek, Horsethief, Lost Valley, Oakley, Roseworth, Stone, Little Camas, Thorn Creek, Winchester, Soldier's Meadow, Mann Lake, and Waha Lake. All of the rainbow trout released for this study have their adipose fin clipped, just like the hatchery salmon and steelhead that return to Idaho. In addition, a small piece of microscopic wire is embedded in their nose that will allow biologists to tell the groups of trout apart. "By comparing the number of tags collected from different groups, we'll be able to determine which group is providing better fishing success for anglers," fisheries biologist Martin Koenig said. Fish and Game staff will be sampling each reservoir in 2008 to gather data, but anglers can help with data collection. Biologists have placed information signs and "snout collection boxes" at boat ramps and public access areas at each reservoir. "If you harvest a rainbow trout with a clipped adipose fish, remove the snout of the fish, forward of the eye, and deposit the snout through the slot in the collection box," Koenig said. Fish and Game staff and volunteers will pick up snouts regularly throughout the summer. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game wants to know how many hatchery trout anglers are catching. Biologists will be releasing different strains of rainbow trout in several reservoirs across Idaho. The goal of the study is to maximize fish harvest by anglers. The fish will be stocked during the week of April 7 or thereafter, depending on ice conditions at each reservoir. Specific stocking locations include the following reservoirs: Island Park, Paddock, Devils Creek, Horsethief, Lost Valley, Oakley, Roseworth, Stone, Little Camas, Thorn Creek, Winchester, Soldier's Meadow, Mann Lake, and Waha Lake. All of the rainbow trout released for this study have their adipose fin clipped, just like the hatchery salmon and steelhead that return to Idaho. In addition, a small piece of microscopic wire is embedded in their nose that will allow biologists to tell the groups of trout apart. "By comparing the number of tags collected from different groups, we'll be able to determine which group is providing better fishing success for anglers," fisheries biologist Martin Koenig said. Fish and Game staff will be sampling each reservoir in 2008 to gather data, but anglers can help with data collection. Biologists have placed information signs and "snout collection boxes" at boat ramps and public access areas at each reservoir. "If you harvest a rainbow trout with a clipped adipose fish, remove the snout of the fish, forward of the eye, and deposit the snout through the slot in the collection box," Koenig said. Fish and Game staff and volunteers will pick up snouts regularly throughout the summer.