Comment
Quote: chris
Travis,
I love the brown trout idea. I have stated this idea on this site in the past and it doesn't seem that a lot of people agree with. That's too bad because I honestly feel that Browns could grow to 6-8 lbs. much easier than a salmon could grow to 4-6 lbs in our larger lakes. They are a much hardier fish and there is no disputing it. Also, they are not tied into smelt as their primary food source. Big Browns will go after perch and crayfish just as they do smelt. We have plenty of both in nearly every lake in NH.They are also more adaptable. Look at how they've begun to feed on Gobies in the Great Lakes, which now is a major food source for them. I've heard the argument that they look too much like salmon and that's why F&G is hesitant to put them in salmon waters (keeping a salmon accidentally through the ice thinking it was a brown). Sorry, but I don't buy it. If people can't tell the difference, then maybe people need to educate themselves better. I've mentioned this before and it bears repeating; there is no law that states NH must stock salmon in all of its prime, larger lakes. Diversify these fisheries. I also agree with the other post. I'd much rather have the chance to catch a giant brown than a decent sized rainbow anyday.
On a side note, I'm actually surprised this topic has resurfaced this year because I've had my best year size wise in Winni in quite some time.
I'm still glad to see that so many people have a genuine concern for our state's fisheries.
Take Care,
Chris
I love the brown trout idea. I have stated this idea on this site in the past and it doesn't seem that a lot of people agree with. That's too bad because I honestly feel that Browns could grow to 6-8 lbs. much easier than a salmon could grow to 4-6 lbs in our larger lakes. They are a much hardier fish and there is no disputing it. Also, they are not tied into smelt as their primary food source. Big Browns will go after perch and crayfish just as they do smelt. We have plenty of both in nearly every lake in NH.They are also more adaptable. Look at how they've begun to feed on Gobies in the Great Lakes, which now is a major food source for them. I've heard the argument that they look too much like salmon and that's why F&G is hesitant to put them in salmon waters (keeping a salmon accidentally through the ice thinking it was a brown). Sorry, but I don't buy it. If people can't tell the difference, then maybe people need to educate themselves better. I've mentioned this before and it bears repeating; there is no law that states NH must stock salmon in all of its prime, larger lakes. Diversify these fisheries. I also agree with the other post. I'd much rather have the chance to catch a giant brown than a decent sized rainbow anyday.
On a side note, I'm actually surprised this topic has resurfaced this year because I've had my best year size wise in Winni in quite some time.
I'm still glad to see that so many people have a genuine concern for our state's fisheries.
Take Care,
Chris
Chris, I like the idea of more Browns in some of our (oops, I'm starting to think I'm from NH) "lakes"
But F and G does have an issues with mixing the two (Salmon and Browns) in the same lake and you are correct it's more an indentification issue, other than the Fall/Winter color of male salmon indentification shouldn't be an issue. I think the people that cant tell the difference would be more recreational type fisherman who probably take a Salmon anyhow thru the ice as well as a Bow.
Browns at the hatchery in April are close to 1.5 to 2 to a pound, where Salmon if we are lucky (same age) are 10 to a pound. So Browns would not have as much a problem with predators as Salmon do..
Do I want them in the same lake competeing for food, I'm not positive, but you point out that they have a different preference in food fare.
Also someone pointed out the cost of buying Browns could be a factor, according to F and G sources, Salmon are the cheapest fish that F and G grow. Hard to comprehend when you consider all the extra labor in fall netting, taking eggs, etc. But I don't doubt what they say, we must pay allot for other eggs and fry.
F and G listen to us even though many may disagree, why do you think no Bows are put in Sunapee ? A well meaning local Rod and Gun club requested none be stocked so that more available food would be there for Salmon, so no Bows for Sunapee. Anything can be done, they do listen.
Why dont we push for Browns in Winnisquam, a lake where Salmon are hard to come by at times, a lake with a very struggling smelt population, while having plenty of perch.
A better fishery does not have to be limited to Salmon, so maybe we shouldn't limit our discusion to Salmon.
After talking with F and G I have more information about slot limits and size limits I'll make in another post.
Big John
