Trout Info

[Mark Ray]

Lee, what do you think about this info from a guy fishing out of S.C. in regards to trout regs for S.C.

We had a fella come over from DNR the other day and his topic was trout reproduction. It was interesting to see that a 2 year old trout produces 42% of the eggs during spawning, the average size of a 2 year old is 15in. Our current regulations of 14in or better only protect 1 year old fish, which only produce 25% of the eggs. So just food for thought, I am now going to only keep 16in or better if I do happen to keep any. Does that make sense to you if DNR knows for sure about the 2 year old trout egg reproduction? I know you stomp the waters of N.C. but just wanted your thoughts.

[gottaflylee]

Would like to read the study that it came from. I have a few ideas about fish reproduction and what is known about our Stripers.
What you state kinda makes since to me. The older fish as a rule, produce more eggs but can or may be less viable eggs than the young ones.
A lot of research goes on in the labs as to egg viability and age, I would think that it is so. As I said, I would like to read their study on this...

[luv2fish67]

Speaking of Trout......I caught several last week for the opening of the season. All fish over 16 inches must be released to protect the breeding stocks......in the lake I was fishing anyway.