Modeling Steelhead Population Energetics in Lakes Michigan and Ontario

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Abstract
We developed a bioenergetics model for steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss that simulates growth and consumption by separate life history forms in Lakes Michigan and Ontario. We estimated abundances of hatchery and wild smolts during 1975–1990 for both lakes based on stocking rates, survival schedules, and discrimination of the proportion of the lake population that was naturally recruited. Recruitment of wild steelhead varied as a function of presmolt winter severity in both lakes. Wild smolts accounted for 6–44% (during 1982–1989) and 18–33% (during 1978–1985) of total annual smolt production in Lakes Michigan and Ontario, respectively. We developed an age-structured population model with separate accounting for run timing (summer, fall, and spring) using the proportions of life history stages observed at weirs and estimated adult survival rates. We summarized data on growth, diet, water temperature, and energy contents of predator and prey to model lakewide prey consumption in both lakes during 1975...

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