Post-stocking Movements and Recapture of Hatchery-reared Trout Released into Flowing Waters: Effect of Time and Method of Stocking

Hatchery-reared brown trout Salmo trutta L. (length 23–26 cm) were stocked in the Afon Taf, South Wales. The effects of ‘spot-’ and ‘scatter-planting’ and of stocking at 1 and 4 weeks prior to the start of the angling season were investigated. Data on the percentage recapture and post-stocking movements of the trout were obtained from tag returns. Higher percentage recaptures were recorded for ‘spot-plantings’ (65% and 31%) than for ‘scatter-planting’ (16%). Stockings made 1 week before the start of the angling season yielded better returns (17.1%) than those made 3 weeks earlier (2.2%). Neither ‘spot-’ nor ‘scatter-planting’ resulted in stocked fish contributing to the catch for an appreciably longer period of time. The majority of trout stocked were caught in the area of stocking irrespective of the method or time of planting.