Riddle me this....

[hookncook]

Everyone knows (or should know) that brown trout are an invasive species in this neck of the woods; and it is well documented that they are crowding out and predating on their smaller cousins the native brook trout. Yet- they (the DNR and fish clubs) are still stocking browns in our streams. Does cultural relativism outweigh ecology? Is the potential of catching a larger trout 15-22 inches more important than the survival of a native species? Carp is an equally invasive species, yet we view them as a rough fish....?

[monstermoose78]

So true and well put. Rainbows are not native to this area as well.

[Ufatz]

Yeah. And neither are Norwegians, Germans and Hmoungs!

Get over it gang.....they are HERE!

Ha Ha Ha Ha!

[leech~~]

Um, Pheasant's anyone!

[ted4887]

I think you have to realistic about what streams brookies can be successful in. Not every stream in our area will be conducive to a healthy brook trout population for one reason or another. When that's the case, I do believe that managing a healthy brown trout population is the next best option. Should we be placing browns into streams that already have a healthy native brook trout population? No. But I don't have any problem with the DNR trying to reintroduce brookies into a stream that already has a healthy brown trout population, so long as the data points to the possibility of success.

[JBMasterAngler]

Just because Brook Trout are native, doesn't mean they were common. Some streams just can't maintain a viable population of brookies Brown Trout make for a great compensation!

[hookncook]

some very valid arguments being brought up. I understand with our current climate temps on the rise, we are seeing an unfortunate shift in critter behavior...

I have the privilege to talk to a couple retired fish biologists who freely talk about their mistakes from "back in the day" mostly from a lack of understanding on how things really worked.

I want to believe that modern stocking and stream design programs are more holistic than they were in the past..

thanks for the feed back guys!