Objectives/Goals
The objective of this research project was to
determine the December food habits of the Eagle Lake Trout in Eagle Lake
located in Northeastern California.
Methods/Materials
A sample size of 50 Eagle Lake Trout stomachs were
collected from licensed sport fishermen at the southern end of Eagle Lake
during the month of December, 2004. The content of each stomach was analyzed in
a laboratory setting and prey items were identified. Collection and analysis was
authorized by Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game Lt. Warden Lisa Stone.
Results
In the 50 Eagle Lake Trout stomachs analyzed,
leeches (30%) were the most frequent prey item identified. Also identified as
prey items were: shrimp (26%), snails (26%), and Tui chubs (12%).
Conclusions/Discussion
Leeches (30%), shrimp (26%), and snails (26%) were
concluded to be the three most frequent prey items selected by the Eagle Lake
Trout during the month of December, 2004.
Other items discovered in the Eagle Lake Trout stomachs
analyzed included pieces of aquatic vegetation (tule, etc.) and plastic. A 10 cm
by 20 cm piece of clear plastic was identified in the stomach contents of one
sample.
Below average lake level (- 4 ft.) in December of
2004 may have resulted in a lower shrimp prey frequency than has been discovered
in the most previous food habit study completed in 1997. In order to manage
this unique trout species, a thorough understanding of it's food habits and
niche in the Eagle Lake aquatic ecosystem is of vital importance.
Project Summary
This research project explored the prey item
frequency for the Eagle Lake Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aquilarum) in Eagle
Lake, Calif. in December of 2004.
Project by Mackenzie M. Bailey
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