November 25th Meeting – Matt Mitro on “Trout Research in Wisconsin: An Overview of Three Studies”

Matt Mitro is a fisheries research scientist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).  Based in Madison, Matt has been working with the WDNR since 2003 on statewide fisheries issues with a focus on trout in Wisconsin’s inland streams.  Previously he worked for the EPA’s Atlantic Ecology Division and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.  Matt earned his PhD in fisheries from Montana State University studying Rainbow Trout recruitment in the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River.  Matt is an avid fly fisher who has chased trout for over 40 years.  Additional information on Matt’s research and published articles can be found at this link.

Matt will discuss three trout research topics:

1. Climate Change and Trout – Much work has been done in Wisconsin investigating how climate change may ultimately impact trout distribution and how changes in environmental conditions affect interactions among species. Matt will present an overview of studies on climate model projections that show regions of Wisconsin expected to be most resistant to the effects of climate warming and on how interactions of gill lice and trout, mediated by stream conditions, may lead to brook trout loss.
2. Brown Trout Density and Growth – Perceptions of poor growth in high density trout populations have raised the question of whether increased harvest can improve brown trout growth. Matt will present findings from an experimental study on Spring Coulee Creek related to this issue.
3. Beaver Influence on Trout Habitat and Populations – This is a project to study the effect beavers have on cold-water stream habitat and trout populations in Wisconsin. The study began this year and it is expected to help fill in many of the gaps in the understanding of how to best manage for both trout and beaver on Wisconsin streams.

At the November 25th monthly meeting the winning bid for the fundraising auction of the Costa Rica trip will also be announced.  The winning bidder (or his/her representative) must be present at this meeting to pay for the trip.  The last chance and deadline to bid on this trip is Sunday, November 24th at 7:00 p.m.  All the complete details related to the trip and auction can be found at this link.

This meeting also includes the elections of Officers and Board of Directors members so come prepared to participate in this portion of the meeting.  The meeting on Monday, November 25th will be at the Maple Tree restaurant on Highway 51 in McFarland.  The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and conversation at 6:00 p.m.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Cordially,

Buzz McFly

The following is a list of our future monthly meeting presentations for the next three months:

1. December 16, 2019 – Jim Lattis, UW Space Place Director on “UW-Madison’s Washburn Observatory – 140 Years on the Frontiers.”
2. January 27, 2020 – Rich Osthoff on fishing the Driftless Region.
3. February 8, 2020 – Spring Opener Fundraiser with Bob Clouser as guest speaker.
4. February 24, 2020 – Tim Landwehr on “Fly Fishing in Patagonia.”