The relationship between rainbow trout stocking success and habitat variables in Interior Alaska Lakes

Abstract

"Fish are stocked for a variety of reasons, including the providence of diverse angling opportunities. Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss are the most widely stocked sport fish species in North America. In Interior Alaska, over 90 of the 137 lakes chosen for stocking are stocked with rainbow trout. To optimize fish stocking programs, managers require a better understanding of the lake characteristics associated with success in meeting program objectives, for assessment of potential lakes proposed for stocking, and to address angler inquiries. For my project, I used a model-selection process with lake morphometric and biotic data from 36 stocked lakes in interior Alaska to develop a predictive model for rainbow trout stocking success defined by pre-set mean length-at-age standards. Average stocking density, lake surface area, and shoreline development explained 46% of the variation in rainbow trout lengths. Model cross-validation, however, called into question the predictive capabilities of the model. In addition, limnological data collected from 10 lakes in 2009 identified water temperature as a correlate with rainbow trout length. This study provided an approach that can be used by managers to evaluate rainbow trout length in stocked lakes, and serves the basis for improving stocking programs while providing satisfactory fishing experiences"--Leaf iii