trout stocking

[JZ]

If we are talking Lakers, I think we are pretty lucky to have a lake trout fishery at all in eastern On, we are one of the most southern areas in NA to have a natural reproduction lake trout. And I think it is managed effectively, a handful of lakes that dont have sustainable natural reproduction are stocked and kept open year round to take the pressure off some of the natural reproduction lakes. 90% of the lake trout lakes in zone 18 are closed from Sept to May. The few that are open for icefishing get pounded but essentially they are taking one for the team to protect the vast majority.
The number of fished stocked and how often they are stocked is influenced by money however that is not the only factor. Sometimes its best to reduce stocking to encourage a more healthy size fish or to ensure the baitfish population isnt decimated.
Dont really think there is a need for a trophy lake designation with restrictions. If you want big lakers then fish Lake O, 20-30lbers are common.

[tbone1088]

Lake O? never heard of it bud. Also didn't realize how many small lakes around here had trout, even if there small it would be fun to try.

[JZ]

Sorry, Lake Ontario giant Lakers in there.
Also when comparing Ont to NY State in stocking or enforcement you are comparing apples to oranges. Or more accurately watermelon to grapes.
Ont number of lakes ~ 250,000
NY state number of lakes 7500

Area in km2
Ont 1,000,000
NY state 145,000
Population
Ontario 13m
NY state 19m

Even if the population and therefore tax base were equal you can see the vast size difference and the number of bodies of waters make stocking and enforcement pretty difficult in Ont.

[arnpriormike]

Putting more fish in a lake will not solve the problem at all. You will end up with a lake, full of smaller fish. (on average) A lake can only support so many fish. It's called competition for food and habitat. The MNR has lots of studies talking about a lakes biomass. How many fish per hectare, a lake can support. Water quality, (Ogliotrophic, Mesotrophic and Eutrophic) will determine the amount of fish a lake can support. Other factors come into play to such as, the species of all fish in a lake, pollution, predation, disease and structure of a lake.
Regulations like Quebec has is the answer. Lessening the fishing pressure on a lake that can only support so many fish is the answer. Rotate lake so they get fished every second or third years.
It's not rocket-appliance!! Hopefully the MNR make changes.
Hope this helps.

[rustyhook]

let's hope they don't use "rocket-appliance". That must be the next set up from rocket-science

[arnpriormike]

Just a Trailer Park Boys quote. I had to sneak that one in there!!