08-06-2020, 11:54 AM
Here is some input from Chris Penne...DWR. He was replying to my questions on another matter but wanted to provide some additional info on this topic.
I noticed a thread recently with questions about lake trout in Causey and Stateline Reservoirs. I meant to chime in on that thread, but had difficulties logging into BFT, likely due to the website revamp. Anyway, if you would be willing to chime in on that post - those lake trout are indeed sterile. The rationale behind them is the typical one for any top predator - we're hoping to see them reduce the kokanee population some and then provide a unique trophy fishing experience. Right now at waters like Causey and Stateline, the kokanee populations essentially controls themselves and the general trend is that kokanee numbers steadily increase for three or four years until they overpopulate and cause their own subsequent population crash and then begin the process again. The intent is for lake trout to control their numbers some and avoid the continual population crashes and small fish. Lakers may or may or may not be able to control the kokanee in these two waters, but if nothing else it will give anglers a chance to catch some large unique fish.
As always, feel free to post and I'm happy to take any other questions that can't easily be answered.
Chris
I noticed a thread recently with questions about lake trout in Causey and Stateline Reservoirs. I meant to chime in on that thread, but had difficulties logging into BFT, likely due to the website revamp. Anyway, if you would be willing to chime in on that post - those lake trout are indeed sterile. The rationale behind them is the typical one for any top predator - we're hoping to see them reduce the kokanee population some and then provide a unique trophy fishing experience. Right now at waters like Causey and Stateline, the kokanee populations essentially controls themselves and the general trend is that kokanee numbers steadily increase for three or four years until they overpopulate and cause their own subsequent population crash and then begin the process again. The intent is for lake trout to control their numbers some and avoid the continual population crashes and small fish. Lakers may or may or may not be able to control the kokanee in these two waters, but if nothing else it will give anglers a chance to catch some large unique fish.
As always, feel free to post and I'm happy to take any other questions that can't easily be answered.
Chris