Where do trout go after they're stocked?

Below information was received from a TU Chapter member and I don't know the original source, but, it's interesting reading.

FYI-



During May 1979, 1,061 catchable-sized, hatchery-reared rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), and brown trout (Salmo trutta) were tagged and stocked in pool and riffle habitats in Big Stony Creek, Giles County, Virginia. Of this total, the movement patterns of 275 recovered trout were determined through voluntary tag return and creek census information. Most (75%) of the trout were recovered within 1 km of their respective release sites; 16% remained within the initial stocking locations. Most of the recaptured brook trout (69%) and rainbow trout (59%) were recovered downstream, whereas brown trout (69%) moved primarily upstream. The median dispersal distances for brook trout (195 m downstream) and rainbow trout (60 m downstream) were not significantly different from one another, but were significantly different (P < 0.001) from that of brown trout (90 m upstream). Although trout stocked in pools generally exhibited less movement than those stocked in riffles, the type of stream habitat into which the trout were introduced had no significant effect on the distance or direction of dispersion of the three species.

Excellent data, and very close to what I have read as a rule. I've read in the past also that the fact that browns tend to move upstream may correlate with why they are the more likely to naturally reproduce in a given water as well. Not sure of all the science involved, but what I have read. Possibly because they are the more dominant in moving up and assuming primary feeding lies maybe?

Nice study. Citation?

In Oklahoma on the Lower Illinois river after a few days if the trout area not caught by fisherman a significant number of them go into the stomachs of large stripers who I sure are thankful for the meal

Our local TU chapter (in Texas) funded a study of trout movement in our local tailwater. The fish were tracked via radio transponders inserted by a state fisheries biologist (who also performed the tracking study). Basic message was that the fish did not move very far from their initial stocking point and did not move upstream to seek out cooler water as the water warmed in the summer. The biologist excitedly followed one transponder several miles upstream, only to find that it was in an osprey nest.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mickmcco

<snip> The biologist excitedly followed one transponder several miles upstream, only to find that it was in an osprey nest.

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That is a truly classic line.

Ed