Trout Responses to Stocking Rates and River Discharge within a Southeastern U.S. Hydropeaking Tailwater

Freshwater fish populations often exist in systems characterized by novel ecological processes resulting from human alteration. Salmonid embedded within coldwater sections of warmwater rivers are spatially constrained habitat availability. Tailwater contend with fluctuating river discharges and density-dependent associated stocking exploitation. sustained through versus natural reproduction may respond differently to changes hydrologic patterns (e.g., hydropeaking) as well declines abundance. We assessed differences between stocked (Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss) naturalized (Brown Salmo trutta) trout Greers Ferry tailwater, Arkansas, regarding (1) spatial temporal mean length, electrofishing catch rates, relative condition following reduced number Rainbow (2) evidence that characteristics intensity influenced condition. A 56% reduction did not result systemwide change length or abundance for Brown over the 16-year study period. Hydrologic variability, where discharge spanned both elevated levels, positively Trout. Assessment survival aid further refining timing amount needed sustain population at a desired Further, assessing influence fewer but perhaps larger (in terms length) meet management goals be warranted. The persistent among can inform actions directed Trout, including harvest regulations. Such regulations reaching goals, targets observed after stocking.