Post‐stocking movements and recapture of hatchery‐reared trout released into flowing waters—a review

The success of stocking with hatchery‐reared trout has been the subject of varied investigations for the past half‐century. Percentage returns are summarised, and literature on the post‐stocking movements of hatchery‐reared trout is reviewed. Factors affecting the poststocking movements are considered, special attention being paid to studies on industrial rivers. Highest returns are obtained from stockings, with trout of a size suitable for angling, made during or shortly before the angling season. The majority of stocked brown trout, Salmo trutta tend to remain close to the area of stocking, but brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis and rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri show greater movement, usually in a down‐stream direction. Greater dispersion of all species occurs if they have overwintered prior to capture or have been stocked in‘cold water’or in small upstream stretches of river.