BARKHAMSTED, Conn. — A team two dozen strong from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection made its annual walk through the shallow waters of the Farmington River in Barhamsted as part of the “Survivor Strain Trout Program."
The program is geared towards keeping the Farmington a “Blue Ribbon River” – famous for its Brown Trout population that brings anglers to the area from all over the country.
Justin Davis, the chief of DEEP’s Bureau of Natural Resources said the team was collecting trout, or brood stock.
"We’re bringing [some] of these fish back to the hatchery to see the next generation that we will put out on the river," Davis said.
Part of the process of catching the fish - predominantly Brown Trout - involves what is known as “Electro-Fishing."
“What we are doing is using electricity to stun the fish in the water so we can get them up, measure them, take some biological samples and perhaps decide to bring them back to the hatchery," Davis said. "The process is completely harmless to the fish, and it’s a lot more effective than a rod and reel.”
The unique Survivor Strain Trout Program began in the 1980’s as a way to help keep the trout population strong in the Farmington River.
Brain Eltz, a senior fisheries biologist from the Connecticut DEEP said, “This was a legacy created in 1988, so we are just continuing that legacy... I think it’s one of the most important things we do for anglers in Connecticut.”
With the fall fishing season coming up Davis added, “This is what makes what we do for a living so special because we are creating opportunities for people to make memories.”
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Jim Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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