05-24-2007, 02:56 PM
[cool][#0000ff]There are a lot of variables that can affect how big and how old trout will become. Water temps, current speed, food sources and length of effective growing season are some of the main factors. Of course fishermen and natural predators can shorten a fish's life span too.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]According to several sources I have checked, both browns and rainbows can mature and start spawning at 3-5 years of age, regardless of size attained. They are considered at their peak at the 5-7 year old range and most decline and die within 7-10 years. Rainbows have been observed spawning as late as 11 years of age, and browns another couple of years...13 years old.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Browns are a lot more stable throughout their range than rainbows. Since most rainbows are from hatchery stock, and because there are so many different strains of these hatchery pets, longevity and size can be all over the place. Many hatchery rainbows are bred for quick growth and fast harvest. Even if they are not extracted from the water by anglers, they do not live as long as pure strain wild fish. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]According to several sources I have checked, both browns and rainbows can mature and start spawning at 3-5 years of age, regardless of size attained. They are considered at their peak at the 5-7 year old range and most decline and die within 7-10 years. Rainbows have been observed spawning as late as 11 years of age, and browns another couple of years...13 years old.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Browns are a lot more stable throughout their range than rainbows. Since most rainbows are from hatchery stock, and because there are so many different strains of these hatchery pets, longevity and size can be all over the place. Many hatchery rainbows are bred for quick growth and fast harvest. Even if they are not extracted from the water by anglers, they do not live as long as pure strain wild fish. [/#0000ff]
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