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Those trout that survived winter were subject to high angler induced <br />mortality during the ensuing fishing season. Total harvest during the <br />study period ranged from 53-111 kg/ha (47-99 lb/ac), levels that <br />approximate total fish biomass densities of many other Utah <br />watercourses. Summer catch curves indicated mortality during the angling <br />season exceeded 60% for trout that were fully recruited to the fishery. <br />Almost all tag returns were received during the first angling season <br />following each marking study. Estimates of hooking mortality (mortality <br />of fish caught and released by anglers) ranged from 16,000 - 64,000 <br />trout/yr. <br />Thus, it appeared that fishery management practices were at odds <br />with the river's physical habitat limitations, habitat constraints <br />attendant with operating criteria for the Flaming Gorge hydroelectric <br />units, and with high rates of angler harvest. <br />Recommendations <br />The following fishery management recommendations have been <br />implemented as a result of this study and are currently being evaluated: <br />1. Trout should be stocked at 150 mm (6 inches) TL in early May. <br />Summer growth averaged near 30 mm (1.2 inches)/month during the <br />study period. Therefore, trout stocked in early May at 150 mm <br />TL should exceed 300 mm TL by their first winter. The majority <br />of these trout should recruit to the adult life stage prior to <br />experiencing winter conditions and, theoretically, experience <br />considerably higher first winter survival. <br />-6-