Redd Habitat Selection for Brook Trout in the Necktie River Bemidji, MN

Authors

William Varela
Zachary Buckley

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The presence of quality suitable habitat is important for the success of naturally reproducing Brook Trout populations. Therefore, measuring redd habitat Brook Trout select for was the focus of this study. Brook Trout redds were observed during the spawning season of 2016. We identified a total of 18 redds in the Necktie River in late October and early November. Specific environmental variables associated with redd selection were measured: velocity, in-stream cover, canopy cover, bank overhang, river width, substrate type and size, temperature, and max-depth. The same environmental variables were measured for 30 randomly selected sites. Redds were distributed in riffles 85% of the time, and runs 15% of the time; random sites were distributed evenly throughout the system (43% in riffles and 57% in pools). Significant environmental variables associated with redds were substrates (P < 0.01), cover (P = 0.02), conductivity (P < 0.01), and dissolved oxygen (P < 0.01). All other variables showed no differences which indicated Brook Trout were not selecting for these variables. Although Brook Trout are more tolerant to ecosystem changes than other species of salmonids, they appear to be selecting for larger substrates. Therefore, future management should be focused on preserving or creating areas of suitable substrates to ensure maximum reproductive potential of the population.

Publication Date

2017

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program. Co-Sponsor: Tony J. Standera-MNDNR

Recommended Citation

Varela, William and Buckley, Zachary, "Redd Habitat Selection for Brook Trout in the Necktie River Bemidji, MN" (2017). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 32.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/32