03-22-2015, 07:37 AM
No, I would not cry foul. The genetic strain of brook trout once found on Boulder are gone. If they cannot provide the long-lived, slower growing strain of yesteryear, then the next best answer is sterile brookies. Sterile brook trout are not a frankenfish like tiger trout. At least they are reminiscent of what once was and not just the easy way out. Sterile brook trout are used alot in lakes like Henrys and others where overpopulation can become a problem. Tiger trout could live in much harsher conditions than sterile (or non-sterile) brook trout. Tiger trout can live very long and grow to who knows12-25 pounds? Sterile brook trout have a life expectancy the same as non-sterile (5-7 years) and grow a bit more because they don't go through spawning stress.
The difference in a brook trout record being sterile or non-sterile is the same as the rainbow record being from a sterile or non-sterile strain. It would be as impressive either way.
If the decision is tiger trout or sterile brook trout on Boulder the decision has been made by the anglers. Look up the questionaire put out a couple of years ago. Over 90% of the anglers surveyed want Boulder Mountain to be a trophy brook trout destination. Not tiger trout. Not cutthroats. Not grayling.
BROOK TROUT!
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The difference in a brook trout record being sterile or non-sterile is the same as the rainbow record being from a sterile or non-sterile strain. It would be as impressive either way.
If the decision is tiger trout or sterile brook trout on Boulder the decision has been made by the anglers. Look up the questionaire put out a couple of years ago. Over 90% of the anglers surveyed want Boulder Mountain to be a trophy brook trout destination. Not tiger trout. Not cutthroats. Not grayling.
BROOK TROUT!
[signature]