The Effects of Habitat Characteristics and Location on Brook Trout Size Distribution

Authors

Bryce Groves

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Adfluvial Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis are known to typically grow larger than riverine Brook Trout. The Kabekona River in Hubbard County, Minnesota exhibits suitable habitat for both fluvial and adfluvial Brook Trout populations. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationships between depth, stream width, canopy cover, water temperature, sediment size, and distance from Kabekona Lake on Brook Trout size distribution in the Kabekona River. Brook Trout (n=35) were angled from the Kabekona River from August 24 to September 26, 2023. Each fish was measured and released, with habitat metrics being recorded at time of release. ArcGIS was used to determine distance from Kabekona Lake for each Brook Trout, and linear regression analysis was used to determine if any of the habitat metrics showed correlation to Brook Trout size. Distance from Kabekona Lake had a significant effect on Brook Trout size (P = 0.03), with larger trout being captured closer to the lake. The trout size also increased as depth increased (P = 0.02). The information from this study could be useful to those seeking to improve stream habitat to enhance the size of Brook Trout.

Publication Date

2024

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program

Recommended Citation

Groves, Bryce, "The Effects of Habitat Characteristics and Location on Brook Trout Size Distribution" (2024). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 68.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/68