Originally Posted by
JohnScott
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About Trout: The Best of Robert J. Benhke from Trout Magazine - Page 124
?In most streams with good natural reproduction and recruitment, great numbers of young, small trout abound, and they will consume most of the small particle food supply. It is true that larger trout are dominant over smaller trout and the larger fish will monopolize the best feeding areas. But at some point the larger fish cannot control sufficient space to consume an adequate daily ration to meet maintenance requirements; negative growth and death will soon follow. For the typical brown trout population under such circumstances the terminal age can be expected to be around four and the terminal size about 12 inches. Streams where the terminal size of trout is considerably greater are characterized by an alternate food supply of large organisms such as scuds, crayfish, and forage fishes. When trout reach a size of about 12?, they can then begin to feed on larger organisms, avoid competition with smaller trout and maintain positive growth. As long as positive growth is maintained, the lifespan can be greatly expanded.?