There’s a new study out on the behaviour patterns of Lake Trout.
When we have cold springs Lake Trout thrive. If it’s warmer than normal, fish are less hardy with less access to their food source of minnows.
That’s the findings of an 11 year study by researchers at the Experimental Lakes Area between Kenora and Dryden.
LU Prof Michael Rennie says this research is a warning about climate change since the only source of food for trout in small lakes is small bait fish.
“In those cooler years with longer springs they grow better and they are in much better body condition. Warmer years those fish have less access to that shoreline to be able to eat in the spring time.”
“Lake Trout are reacting rapidly to changes in water temperature. As soon as the water became too warm, the fish left the shallow, more productive water, and went to the deep part of the lake where the food is of lower quality. And when a top predator is forced to change what it eats, it impacts not only its own well-being, but the whole food web”, says Matthew Guzzo, a PhD candidate in the University of Manitoba’s Department of Biological Sciences and lead author of the report. (Photo supplied)