Extended Residence of Young-of-the-Year Lake Trout in Shallow Water

Abstract Young-of-the-year lake trout Salvelinus namaycush remained at depths of 2–8 m in Presque Isle Harbor, Lake Superior from May through July. This extended residence in shallow depths contrasts with an immediate migration to deeper water reported by others. The young lake trout attained average total lengths of 45 mm before they left shallow water. Movement to deeper water was judged to be associated with water temperatures greater than 15 C and a preference for deep water 12 weeks after hatching.