Feeding by hatchery-reared brown trout, Salmo trutta L. released in lakes

Abstract. Shortly after their release in two Norwegian lakes (3 hours to 3 weeks), hatchery-reared brown trout, Salamo trutta L., yearlings were recaptured, and their feeding was compared with that of wild brown trout. Investigations were conducted during three different periods (June, August and September). In all three periods most of the hatchery-reared fish started feeding immediately after their release. The amounts of exuviae from Ephemeroptera larvae and Chironomidae pupae found in the stomachs of hatchery-reared trout decreased with time, indicating that their feeding habits were influenced by a learning process. However, within one week of their release, hatchery trout appeared to be feeding on wild prey as well as did wild fish.