Most all of the studies done in recent years, much to the chagrin of those
wanting to turn back the clock 1000 yrs or so, conclude that there is very
little cross spawning and danger to the integrity of the wild fish
(steelhead). The last major study done for the Columbia River and it's
tributaries and somewhat north, concluded that it would take a very small
river and a considerable population of hatchery/native fish to cause any
measurable danger to the genetic integrity of wild steelhead.
It is commendable on the fly fisherman's part to take the lead in
re-establishing wild runs of salmon and steelhead. Hatchery fish, however,
make up a significant part of our fisheries. Sit down and list all the
hatchery fish that provide sport for yourself. They make up the bulk of the
fish that I pursue. There are those that use the endangered species act to
shutdown sportfishing. There are also those that enlist the support of
flyfishermen to give themselves credibility to eliminate, or reduce
sportfishing and they are succeeding! I am finding more and more "lure"
fisherman who are willing to release wild fish and even release hatchery
fish that they do not want to eat, but they are interested in using common
sense. Where there are no fish runs, or very weak runs, it makes sense to
plant fish. The largest steelhead runs in the world, at this present time,
are those that go up the Snake and the Clearwater River, a result of a
hatchery program. They go over every dam on the Columbia!
I, personally, release virtually all salmon and steelhead. I just do not
like to eat them. I have kept sockeye from the Lake WA. fishery. The other
conclusion that I have come to is that water temp makes a great deal of
difference in the fight of steelhead. The water temp., when hatchery fish
return,(Dec.,Jan. Feb.) is colder than in Mar./Apr. when native fish return
and the fish fight much more in warmer water. Hatchery summer runs can be
awesome fighters and it is due to the water temp. Jere
----- Original Message -----
From: Justin Teegarden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2000 2:04 PM
Subject: Re:Native vs Hatchery Fish
> You can't ask for viewpoints on this subject without getting a difference
of opinion. Wild fish I'll always let go if you can keep them or not
(anadronamous). Hatchery fish, well that depends. To much to put down here
on this viewpoint. I will keep Hatchery steelhead, Especially if they are
trucking them back down to swim up 2 and 3 times. I don't think there are
much "wild" fish left. I think the Hatchery and Wild Have
intermingled for quit some time and to have a 100% pure wild fish is a bit
on the fantasy side, but one thing is for sure, the color and fight, 9 times
out of 10, is twice as good as a hatchery fish. I also Keep Hatchery fish,
because of my wife. IF I Bring home something she feels I'm not wasting my
time. Go Figure. It is also nice to eat fresh fish every now and again.
>
> I think I could go on and on here, but I'll stop and let others spill
their viewpoints all over the board.
>
> Justin
>
>
> On Wed, 01 Nov 2000 12:28:33 -0800 Sean Ransom <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >Since I have started fly fishing I have not kept one fish I have caught.
> >My main reason for this has been to do my part to preserve the dwindling
> >supply of fish. I would never keep a wild fish of any species under any
> >circumstances (even though I would like to sometimes).
> >
> >However I have recently read a few different viewpoints on hatchery
> >fish. I am mainly talking about steelhead but salmon as well. I have
> >heard that these fish are for the most part unable to spawn and
> >fisherman are doing a service by removing them from the streams so they
> >do not intermingle with the natives. I have also heard the viewpoint
> >that all fish should be released whether they are native or not.
> >
> >I have no problem with folks who do keep fish and would like to justify
> >keeping fish myself. I am interested in hearing some of the people on
> >this boards viewpoints (without starting big debate or anything). When
> >it comes down to it it is a personal decision but am interested in your
> >viewpoints. Also if anyone could recommend some reading material on the
> >subject I would appreciate it.
> >
> >-sean
> >
> >
>
> Have you gotten your free email at fishing.com or flyfishing.com? I got
mine, come get yours! Visit www.fishing.com or www.flyfishing.com to sign
up!
>
>
