Growth Rates

[ProfessorChaos]

Does anyone have any knowledge about growth rates for trout and other local fish here in UT? I'm sure a lot of it is environment, competition, available food and oxygen levels... but is there any general rule if thumb?
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[bassrods]

Here is a few I know of..
Perch: 1" to 11/2" per year.
Small mouth bass: 1 1/2" to 2" per year.
Bluegill: 1/2 to 1" per year.
Large Mouth bass: 3" to 4" per year..
This is only the average, but better food will in most cases only make the fish weigh a little more not grow faster..
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[Fin-S-Fish]

Here's some general lmb growth rates I've seen over the years in Utah in various waters. End of first year 6 inches, end of second year 10-13, end of third year 14 -15, end of 4th year, 16-17, end of 5th year 18in, end of 6th year 18 1/2, end of 7th 19in. end of 8th year 20in. Year 9 about 20 1/2 inch, year 10, 21 and a half inches. Most fish don't get beyond 21 and a half inches from what I've seen and growth slows to quarter inch increments once the fish hits 19 inches in most waters with some exceptions where there's abundant forage.

Not as certain on trout rates but rainbows can gain an inch a month with abundant food supply.
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[ProfessorChaos]

Good to know guys, thanks for the info. I've always been curious. I was pretty surprised when I found out a 28" lake trout was probably 20+ years old...
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[Joe_Dizzy]

[quote ProfessorChaos]

Good to know guys, thanks for the info. I've always been curious. I was pretty surprised when I found out a 28" lake trout was probably 20+ years old...

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Growth rates are largely affected by the fertility of the body of water and length of the growing season.

Lake Trout typically thrive in very infertile (oligotrophic) natural lakes with short growing seasons which is why their growth rates - on average - are very slow. Not the same on every body of water though.
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[brookieguy1]

When stocked as fingerlings brook trout can grow to 14" in less than 1 year when stocked in food rich quality waters.
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[PBH]

[quote ProfessorChaos]Good to know guys, thanks for the info. I've always been curious. I was pretty surprised when I found out a 28" lake trout was probably 20+ years old...[/quote]

Yes, but it only took 4 years for that same lake trout to grow the first 26". The next two inches took 16 years.

Averages are relative. Take them with a grain of salt. With lake trout, it all depends on when that fish converts to a strictly fish diet. That could take 4 years, or it could take 20 years.

I think the attached document is right up your alley. Enjoy:
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