Cage Rearing of Steelhead Rainbow Trout in a Freshwater Impoundment

Abstract

From fall through early spring of 1973-74 and 1974-75, floating cages were used experimentally to rear fingerling steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri) to yearlings in a small freshwater impoundment on the northern coast of California. Respective totals of 7,102 and 29,475 yearlings were produced in the two seasons. The cage-reared steelheads appeared to survive and grow at least as well as those raised in State hatcheries. We describe the facilities used and give information on incidence of fin wear, effect of cage-rearing density, growth and feed conversion efficiency, and facility and production costs.