GLATOS

Three-dimensional lake trout movement in Lake Champlain

Project Title

Year-round three-dimensional movement of juvenile and adult lake trout in the Main Lake portion of Lake Champlain

Project Code

LCTRT

Project Duration

August 2019 - January 2024

Project Description

Juvenile (ages 2-3) and adult lake trout will be tagged with V9TP transmitters to determine their distribution throughout the Main Lake portion of Lake Champlain. Additional adult fish will be tagged with V13 transmitters for yearly comparisons of seasonal habitat use. Both stocked and wild adult fish will be tagged to determine overlap in habitat use.

Objectives

Determine differences in the seasonal movement and habitat use of stocked and wild lake trout across life stages
Identify spawning locations and habitat conditions of wild lake trout
Investigate the use of deep offshore spawning sites

Management Benefits

This research will provide insight into the longevity of behavioral impacts associated with hatchery rearing. In addition, the results will provide information about lake trout habitat preferences in Lake Champlain that may explain the recent increases in natural recruitment in this system. Information gained on lake trout habitat preferences may be relevant for restoration efforts in other systems.

Investigators

Matt Futia (University of Vermont) - mfutia@uvm.edu

Participating Organizations

University of Vermont

Funding

Lake Champlain Sea Grant
Great Lakes Fishery Commission