Relevant Steelhead Genetics papers, studies, and articles
The Steelhead Genetics Project (SGP) is a cooperative research project that seeks volunteer angler participation with sample collections. The SGP will provide critical information to advance rehabilitation efforts for Steelhead in the Minnesota waters of Lake Superior.
Anglers interested in participating in this project must be experienced steelhead anglers and qualify for a special scale collecting permit. You can contact the MN DNR if you would like to learn more about the requirements or discuss participation.
Will be be providing more information about the project and results of the testing as the project progresses. Check back!
1. Evaluate hybridization between hatchery-raised Kamloops Rainbow Trout and naturalized (wild) Steelhead.
2. Examine the utility of genetics to identify adult Steelhead that were stocked as fry and determine their contributions to the adult catch in the North Shore spring fishery.
3. Determine strain composition, genetic variation and structure of wild Rainbow Trout among North Shore Rivers using genetic markers.
Project Objectives:
For more information contact: MNsteelheader@gmail(DOT)com or Nick Peterson at the MD DNR: 218-302-3272 | nick.peterson@state.mn.us
Lake Superior Area Fisheries Office
5351 North Shore Drive
Duluth, MN 55804
Lower fitness of hatchery and hybrid rainbow trout compared to naturalized populations in Lake Superior tributaries
Simulating effects of nonintrogressive hybridization with a stock hatchery strain of rainbow trout on the sustainability and recovery of naturalized steelhead populations in Minnesota waters of Lake Superior.
Comparative Survival of naturalized steelhead, feral kamloops, and their hybrids during egg and fry stages. - 1996
Rainbow trout Management summary for Minnesota waters of Lake Superior - 2012
Steelhead scale collection tips for permit-carrying program volunteer anglers.
An illustration of what is included in the scale collection kit. A kit can be obtained by permit carrying anglers through the French River DNR office
Research summaries:
Three papers looking at the influence of hatchery fish vs. wild fish.
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Rainbow Trout Genetics Fact Sheet - 2017
SGP Apparel & stuff
SGP Angler Information
Rainbow Trout and future management.
Updated fact sheet - Steelhead Genetic Project (SGP)
MARCH - 2018 RELEASE
Steelhead Genetics Project Answers Long-standing Questions of Hybridization between Steelhead and Kamloops Rainbow Trout
This study sought to gather information from anglers about trout fishing in Minnesota, with emphasis on the rainbow trout fishery (Kamloops and steelhead) in Lake Superior and its tributaries. Great stuff here!
The Steelhead illustrated here is so incredibly scientifically accurate, right down to the scale size, placement, and amount. This illustration and hundreds more have been beautify created by Joseph Tomelleri. Learn more about Joe, his passion, and how to purchase your favorite image.
Proceeds from the sale of these one-of-a-kind Steelhead Genetics Project Shirts will help provide the much needed additional funding to support ongoing genetic research of Lake Superior Steelhead, conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
"We have documented introgression of hatchery kamloops in naturalized steelhead populations in western Lake Superior that contrasts with the lack of evidence for kamloops introgression 25 years earlier (Kreuger et al., 1994). Kamloops descendants were identified in age-0 and adult samples from throughout Minnesota's shore and a nearby Wisconsin tributary. The finding of kamloops introgression into Minnesota steelhead population and potential impacts on other jurisdictions contributed to the decision to discontinue and replace the kamloops stocking program."