Originally posted by pebaugh:
Cecil and others, thanks for the response. Based upon the input we probably will not introduce any new vegetation. Yes, I would like the artesian well flow to be better and we are attempting to add another well. I saw one of your posted pictures of a brown that was huge. How many pounds was it (The picture of Dan holding it). The reason we opt for Rainbows at this point is that there are relatively inexpensive and great game fish. While they will not grow near the size of the browns or brooks, we want a lot of fish and a lot of action for the 6-20 year olds who will be doing alot of fishing. ( we have 28 nieces and nephews).
That brown was just under 12 lbs. Hit a kastmaster spoon. Yes, rainbows are a great gamefish (very acrobatic on the line), and not as difficult to catch as the browns. Although brooks have got to be the easiest to catch unless it's breeding season. But the browns get lock jaw then too at that time.
However, as far as cheaper for rainbows I think Crystal Springs in Muskegon only charges a dime a pound more for browns and brooks. They also have golden rainbows.
Actually I think you can get rainbow males easily to 12 pounds or even more if you feed them well and keep them long enough. Brooks typically don't get as big as either species.
I think rainbows are a good choice for what you want although it's possible the browns can handle slightly warmer water. Not a fast action fish for kids though as they are really wary.
Keep in mind you should keep all the trout you catch as catch and release usually kills at least some of the trout even if it's delayed mortality. This is especially true in elevated temps. That's why trout fish out ponds don't allow catch and release.
28 nieces and nephews!
Long winter nights in Michigan?
