Quote:
Originally Posted by Slava
In case anyone is curious as to why they would want to suppress the non-native Brooks as opposed to the non-native Rainbows or Browns, its because they are fall spawners, same as the Bulls. While the Rainbows spawn at the same time as the Cutthroats and there is a push to limit that hybridization, the main push that I've seen so far is with the Brooks/Bulls.
The problem with the Cutbow as they're sometimes called is that they can no longer spawn effectively (among other concerns) and same with the Brook/Bull. Overall, the push is to protect the Cutthroats and Bulls and try to protect these native fish though.
One new stocking program of interest is the Tiger Trout. Now when they stock they choose lakes/ponds that are secluded to try to make sure that they can overwinter safely, have enough food and can't interact with the native trout populations. The Tiger trout is a hybrid of the Brook and Brown and although I've never caught one, they look pretty cool!
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Another real concern with Brookies is they are prolific breeders compared to other trout species and will readily take over a watershed and out compete native trout for available food. Often in these cases, the Brookie population is also stunted so you have a ton of 7"-9" fish. This is quite common in Alberta where Brook Trout have been introduced.