Fish out of Water

Handle with Care

No one can argue that catch and release practices are essential for our fish populations to continue thriving.  Unfortunately, improper handling of fish before release can lead to delayed mortality.  We all want great pictures with our trophy fish, but the bigger they are, the harder they can be to handle.  Is it worth killing them for that hero shot in the boat or from the bank?  Salmon and Steelhead are particularly vulnerable.  We need to ensure that our returning fish are healthy enough to spawn.

Breakin' the Law

In Washington: "It is unlawful to totally remove salmon, steelhead, or Dolly Varden/Bull Trout from the water if it is unlawful to retain those fish, or if the angler subsequently releases the salmon, steelhead, Dolly Varden/Bull Trout."

In Alaska:  "A person may not remove a king salmon 20 inches or longer from the water before releasing it."  In catch and release waters: "All rainbow/steelhead trout caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately."

Currently, no such language exists in the Idaho Fishing Regulations.  I was recently on the Idaho TU webpage and found this.

"Please help protect our wild steelhead and salmon by adding language to the fishing regulations to promote proper fish handling. Wild steelhead and salmon should be kept in the water and not drug up on the bank."

Idaho Fish and Game provides a public comment period before finalizing regulations for 2016-2018.  Let them know your thoughts on salmon and steelhead handling.

For more good information on catch and release practices, check out the KEEP-EM-WET campaign sponsored by the Native Fish Society.

A New Type of Hero Shot

You can still get a great shot of your fish held in the water. Think about interesting angles to use when shooting your photos or consider an underwater camera for additional unique perspectives.