Why do trout travel so far up north?

[fishing89]

I have yet another question. While I did do some research over the years on trout migrating and spawning patterns, I was never able to find anything about WHY they travel so far up north from the lake.




Do they do it for the thrill? Because they can, being badass trout? Or do they just need more space...

 

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it keeps the fry in a fertile environment for a longer period of time, with good sources of food, and plenty of oxygenated water, also keeps them away from predators until they are old enough to return to the lake

 

[fishernick]

trout are imprinted with the location where they were born. so when they mature they will head back to that location and make their reeds and do their business. some travel as far as the system will allow and some are closer to the lake, all depends on that imprint.

 

[Dozer]

From Hwy 2 to the 407 isn't far at all. Some of the west coasters travel upwards between 800 - 1000 MILES.

The fish travel upstream because thats what they do to ensure their young have a better chance at survival. Eggs need to incubate at certain temps as well as have a good flow of water. The further up stream you go, the colder the water is and trout are a cold water species. Once the young hatch, the headwater streams offer cooler water during the summer increasing survival rates for the young.

 

[fishing89]

great answer dozer. Thanks! makes sense

 

[Dewy]

The further the fish can get up stream the better probability of reproduction, as said better reeds for spawning. Cooler temps, appropriate nutrients and food. I think that fish that spawn closer to the lake have a greater probability of their spawn washing out, as these are the areas that tend to be washed out the most, and receive the greatest rates of flow

 

[salmotrutta]

Brian and I were fishing a spot last opener for "rezzies" when he hooked into something substantial, upon closer inspection we noticed it was a steelhead, and turned out there was a whole school of them quite far upstream for that particular trib, it was very narrow and shallow at that point.

 

[iamnickevans]

20 miles up any river is nothing for a steelhead to travel. Steelhead can move over 10 miles in a few hours believe it or not(in the lake) Some reasons for steelhead to run far up north is simple, water temps, water quality, food, good spawning habitat, protection..ect......

 

[iJay]

Great info. I knew that Trout always spawn where they were born, didnt know why they were that far up stream! Thanks for the info!

 

[Brian]

Brian and I were fishing a spot last opener for "rezzies" when he hooked into something substantial, upon closer inspection we noticed it was a steelhead, and turned out there was a whole school of them quite far upstream for that particular trib, it was very narrow and shallow at that point.

Yes and at that point they were dropping back from further upstream...all appeared to be spawned out...

 

[rich_ace_G]

Depending on the tribute you are in. Some tribs have fish ladders and some don't. Which is the end of the line. And would be the spawning area. They will hang around for maybe a week at most and then start to move downstream. Is it because of food source? Maybe. Imagine an area where there are hundreds of them all suddenly felt the munchies. In one of my hikes a week ago. They tend to hang around atop a waterfall. Then they just let themselves fall.

 

[Knuguy]

Looks like we got this one pretty well solved! Next up: Why do chickens cross the road? :razz: