Population Ecology of the Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, in Matamek Lake, Quebec

Population estimates of an unexploited brook trout population at Matamek Lake, Quebec, indicated that more than 86% of the total population inhabited the tributaries of the lake during the summer of 1968. As opposed to the stream habitat, the combination stream–lake ecosystem moderated the mortality rates of the intermediate age-groups and allowed survival to higher ages in the population. Estimates of standing stock and production in the lake were 3.1 and 2.2 kg/ha respectively during 1968.The population was characterized by a slower growth rate, higher age at maturity, higher survival rate in the intermediate age-groups, and longer life span when compared with an exploited population in Wisconsin. Increased numbers of trout in higher age-groups at Matamek Lake were attributed to high survival rates in the intermediate age-groups in the absence of exploitation. Low estimates of standing stock and production were attributed to environmental factors affecting growth.