Observations on the structure of brown trout, <i>Salmo trutta</i> Linnaeus, redds

The gravel type and structure of brown trout spawning gravels in Teesdale, the flow characteristics of the spawning sites and the size of redds are described, and it is concluded that female size is a major factor.

Abstract

This paper describes the gravel type and structure of brown trout spawning gravels in Teesdale, the flow characteristics of the spawning sites and the size of redds. Factors influencing redd size are investigated and it is concluded that female size is a major factor. Relationships are established between various redd characteristics and the fork length of female fish. The findings are discussed in relation to the existing literature concerning salmonid spawning sites.