HARVEST SLOT LIMIT RATIONALE FOR LAHONTAN CUTTHROAT TROUT AT PYRAMID LAKE, NEVADA

In the past, Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhyncus clarki henshawi) at Pyramid Lake, Nevada were protected by a 483 mm minimum size limit. T hese protected fish showed stunted growth and dominated recent spawnin g runs. We implemented the slot limit harvest regulation based on cree l census, creel interview, spawning run, and gillnetting data. Protect ed slots are fish under 406 mm and from 483 to 610 mm. The rationale b ehind the present slot limit regulation has been that by harvesting th e surplus of small fish, and protecting the largest fish, spawn collec tion will be enhanced.