Examining feeding strategies and position choice of drift-feeding salmonids using an individual-based, mechanistic foraging model

We demonstrated the ability of a mechanistic habitat selection model to predict habitat selection of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) during summer and winter conditions in the Blacksmith Fork River, Utah. By subtracting energy costs and losses from the gross energy intake rate (GEI) obtained through simulation of prey capture, the model calculates the potential net energy intake rate (NEI) of a given stream position, which is essentially the rate of energy intake available for growth and reproduction. The prey capture model incorporates the size, swimming speed, and reaction distance of the fish; the velocity, depth, temperature, and turbidity of the water; and the density and size composition of the drifting invertebrates. The results suggest that during both summer and winter, the brown trout and mountain whitefish in our study reach avoided locations providing low NEI and preferred locations providing a high ratio of NEI to the swimming cost (SC) at the focal p...