Josh:

There are a lot of variables that go into a LMB growth rate, namely geography and forage. Obviously in warmer climates they are allowed to eat more during the winter months in comparison to those same months further north. Secondly, plenty of forage, which it sounds like is a healthy amount from your description. However, if you’re looking to grow them really fast, feed them. They have affordable fish feeders that you can program to feed twice a day, once in the morning, once in the evening, and their growth will skyrocket. It will speed up their growth by 300-400%. Ok, but the actual growth rates you’re looking for. Don’t expect any LMB you catch to be of the keeper variety, i.e., 12-15 inches. I believe the average length in year 3 is 11.5 inches. After year 3, however, a large percentage, about half of the LMB you catch should, if properly managed, be in that size range. Those that are not could be harvested. You want to immediately release all LMB in the 12-15 inch range and harvest some of the smaller ones.