University graduate study is underway which should clarify wild rainbow trout life 

 history and factors limiting wild recruitment. 



Table 4. Summary of estimated proportion of hatchery rainbow trout in the population at 

 Hebgen Lake, Montana, by different techniques, 2000 and 2001. 



Technique Source Estimated % Hatchery 



Dorsal Fin Erosion 



Tet-mark 



Scale Analysis 



MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 



1. Continue stocking until 2007. when 4 year classes of adipose clipped hatchery 

 rainbow trout can be observed and adequately sampled 



2. Refine estimates of contribution of hatchery rainbow trout by refining 

 classification methods, comparing methods among adipose clipped rainbow trout 

 caught by anglers and in gill nets 



3. Conduct scaled back creel survey, focused on angler interviews and collecting 

 fish data, before and after three years after stocking is discontinued 



4. Identify factors limiting wild rainbow trout recruitment and seek opportunities to 

 improve spawning and rearing habitats 



5. Seek opportunities to develop public boat ramps on the North Shore of Hebgen 

 Reservoir. 



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