Growth and Survival of Fingerling Lake Trout Reared at Four Densities

Abstract Fingerling lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) were reared at density indexes (fish density, in pounds per cubic foot, divided by fish length in inches) of 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, and 2.0. Final lengths, weights, condition factors, and mortality rates did not differ among the treatments. We conclude that fingerling lake trout may be successfully reared at a density index of at least 2.0 if water requirements for respiration and waste dilution are met. Our results indicate that fish length may be less important in determining allowable fish densities than was previously suspected.