We welcome Guest Posts on a variety of subjects. Today we cover the final installment about Tiger Trout from Jim Ledbetter, Member of the WDFW, Inland Fish Policy Advisory Group.
Merritt Lake, while a scenic beauty, is sadly out of balance with nature. Studies have shown that stunted populations of trout crop down the native biota, mayflies, caddis, chironomids, odonata, copepods, as well as the microscopic diatoms that attach themselves to the legs of the water borne invertabrates. Amphibians are also impacted as they rely on these creatures for a food base as well.
The proposal calls for 210 tiger trout to be stocked. Once stocked, these jumbo fingerlings will begin to feed on tiny brook trout fry. This is the first stage of both population reduction and restoration of the natural dynamics of the lake. There will be less brook trout fry feeding on immature invertabrates which will allow those populations to increase. The small number of tiger trout will impact the brook trout population much more than the invertabrate population. It will take years to fully recover the invertabrates but that will not be accomplished until the brook trout population is brought under control. However, the more immediate benefit, in 2 – 3 years, will be large tiger trout which should create some real angler interest.
Another benefit is controlling brook trout drop out from Merritt to Nason Creek where they could possibly hybridize with ESA listed bull trout. Reducing the population of brook trout in Merritt will curtail most of this problem as once the population is balanced fish tend to stray less.
If all goes well the tiger trout should be stocked in Merritt Lake with the help of Icicle Outfitters around the middle of June.
This is still in the proposal stage as the SEPA for the introduction has not been finalized. The WDFW, Area Bio, Arthur.Viola@dfw.wa.gov, and the regional bio, Jeffrey.Korth@dfw.wa.gov, have both expressed support and if you think this is a good idea feel free to email them with your comments.
If the project sounds interesting, and you would like to help out, please email me at salmtrutt@aol.com.
Jim Ledbetter
Member, WDFW, Inland Fish Policy Advisory Group
Chiwawa Pines
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