Thanks - exactly what I was looking for. Appreciate the info. I also came accross this data on spawning from TDWF which someone might find interesting.
1. Large trout have provided up to 4 -6 spawns during their lifetime. They have provided the trout population millions of offspring. Since few trout live much longer than 8 years most fish larger than 25 inches are nearing the end of their life. It makes sense to utilize these fish in a trophy fishery. Our regulations are set up to allow maximum spawns and survival given all the different environmental conditions while providing a trophy fishery.
2. Trout begin spawning at about 12 inches; there are reports of some males spawning at 10 inches. Therefore, trout spawn at least once and maybe more before they are legal to be kept. This is the basis for the 15-inch rule. We want to maximize the spawning potential of the trout populations. Given the large number of trophy trout, we have seen no adverse effects on the genetics at this time. The fish from 12-20 inches comprise the highest percentage of the population so their spawn comprises about 75% of the eggs. An estimated 13% of the eggs were produced by fish equal to or greater than 25 inches.
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