Lake Trout Restoration in Lake Erie: The First 30 Years

Although Lake Erie is known for its valued percid fisheries, coldwater species such as lake trout, lake whitefish, and cisco dominated its fishery only 100 years ago.  Similar to the other Great Lakes, commercial exploitation, pollution-induced eutrophication, habitat loss, and the invasion of exotic species contributed to the loss of this coldwater community by the mid-1900s.  Lake trout were considered extirpated in the lake by 1965.  Efforts to restore lake trout began in 1982, centering mainly on stocking and sea lamprey control.  However, despite some success building an adult population, recruitment of naturally produced fish has yet to be detected.  Stocking limitations, sea lamprey control, and habitat degradation due to dreissenids are thought to be the main bottlenecks in the rehabilitation efforts.  Future restoration initiatives need to explore different areas throughout the lake to maximize the potential for natural reproduction.