Brown trout stocking in protected rivers
Investigates the proportion of stocked brown trout caught by anglers and the prevalence of catch-and-release fishing.
Applies to England
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Large numbers of farm-reared sterile female triploid brown trout are stocked into southern chalk streams to increase angling opportunities and catch rates by providing additional catchable fish. This project investigated the proportion of stocked brown trout caught by anglers and the prevalence of catch-and-release fishing. Time between release and recapture was studied, as was displacement of fish from their release point. The study was conducted collaboratively with representative chalk stream fisheries.
Publication of this study will not introduce any immediate changes to trout stocking regulation, based on this evidence. The information from this study contributes to the evidence base the Environment Agency is using to inform future policy and regulatory decisions relating to the number of trout that can be released, their size, and the timing of release. Measures that could mitigate impacts that fall outside of areas that the Environment Agency can regulate may be included in best practice guidance.