Age and growth characteristics are reported for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, eastern brook trout, brown trout, and lake trout from high lakes in Washington’s Cascades mountain range. Samples were collected between the mid-1970s and 1999. Samples of known age were available from 117 rainbow trout and 53 cutthroat trout, primarily in the western side of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. Overall, 2,930 samples were collected primarily from counties and areas north of Mount Adams.
Age and Growth Characteristics of Trout in Washington High Lakes PDF [1.1 MB]
This is the first comprehensive review and summary of the management of the high lake fishery in Washington State. Its purpose is to document the history, goals, and unique aspects of this program, as well as angler participation in, and economic value of the fishery. It identifies the number and general characteristics of the lakes that are managed for a fishery, as opposed to the many waters that are left in a natural state. The report provides documentation of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW’s) current high lake management practices. WDFW seeks to increase public awareness and understanding of the high lake fishery program; this report documents how WDFW meets the public’s need and desire for this form of recreation, while protecting other wildlife and wilderness values. Finally, the report is the first comprehensive preparation of recommendations on how to improve WDFW’s high lake management program.
Historic, current, and proposed future management of sport fish in high-elevation North Cascades National Park lakes.
North Cascades National Park High Lakes Fishery Management PDF [2.2 MB]
Have you ever wondered about the origin of the rainbow, cutthroat, and eastern brook trout in Washington? Read all of the chapters from Bruce Crawford's 1979 Origin and History of the Trout Brood Stocks of the Washington Department of Game
For a detailed analysis of the ecological effects of stocking trout in high lakes, read the final Liss and Larson report Ecological Effects of Stocked Trout in Naturally Fishless High-Elevation North Cascade National Park Service Complex, WA, USA.