Coaster Brook Trout. - FWS photo

Fin Clipped Coaster Brook Trout. - FWS photo

A fishery survey was conducted on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation to determine the presence and relative abundance of coaster brook trout. Coaster brook trout were once abundant throughout the nearshore waters of Lake Superior, but due to overfishing and habitat degradation, there are only a handful of waters around Lake Superior that still have spawning populations of these magnificent fish. 

This two night survey was conducted using an electrofishing boat starting from the mouth of the Pigeon River moving southward along the north shore. This nearshore survey was part of a Lake Superior restoration plan sponsored by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Biological data collected included species caught, length, numbered Floy tag, and tissue samples (for genetic analysis).  The information obtained will help Grand Portage and Service fishery managers gain a broader understanding of the abundance of coaster brook along the Minnesota north shore.

During the survey, the crew focused on netting only brook trout. Other fish species observed during the study were noted as few in numbers (1-4 fish), common (5-25 fish) or abundant (>26 fish). The second night of the survey was cut short due to adverse weather conditions.  However, during the 25 miles that were covered during the study, eight coaster brook trout were collected.  This is a significant increase compared to three brook trout that were collected in 2006 (167% increase in catch rates).  Additional yearly assessments will be scheduled to help determine if these fish are beginning to re-establish the north shores.