Catch and Release

Many of you may already know this; however, not everyone has a good teacher around when they land that first native:

Catch and release is an important tool for preserving our stocks of native steelhead and salmon. When a wild fish is caught anywhere please release it to allow for maximum spawning. This will produce more of these great fish. If retention is legal where you fish, remember that native fish are in decline nearly everywhere, and what is legal isn't always what is right.

Once you have identified the fish as wild, guide the fish towards a shallow area on the edge of the shore. A few inches of water will provide adequate cushion to keep the fish from bonking itself on the rocks. Avoid getting sand on it, which could damage it’s protective slime coat.

With the fish under control in the shallows, wet your hand, and firmly grab it by the tail. Then gently grab it behind the pectoral fins to subdue it. Do not squeeze so tightly that you cause internal injuries to the fish. If a picture is to be taken, have a friend center you and the fish in the frame while you keep the fish in the water. It is important that the fish isn’t removed from the water. Cradle the fish just at water level and smile while a photo is quickly taken. Here is an example of a picture that keeps the fish in the best possible condition, while preserving the memory:


Remove the hook from the fish by backing it out gently. If the hook is deep in the fish, cut the leader, to avoid causing bleeding during removal. It will fall out eventually. Then, point the fish upstream in cool, flowing water. Move it back and forth gently to circulate water over its gills. When the fish attempts to swim away vigorously, watch it power off into the depths!

If native fish are present, please use a line test heavy enough to land these fish without exhausting them. Barbless single hooks can help to minimize damage to fish. If few or no hatchery fish are around avoid using bait in order to prevent deep hook-ups. When using bait do not use such a small hook that the fish inhales it. Also avoid using such a large hook that damage is caused to eyes/gills.
Enjoy catching a nice nate!