apex
3/9/2018 9:30:05 AMYou could have retained that partner, it's a Oncorhynchus tshawytscha...aka Chinook
Part-Time
3/10/2018 8:59:02 AMHUH? It's not a great picture, doesn't show all the color. I admit that once I see the fin my main focus is on making a healthy release but while the fish was in the net I never once thought of it as anything but a native rainbow that I have caught a few of. Now when I look closer at the pictured I can have some doubts I suppose but not at the time. Which features are you looking at that makes it out to be a Chinook a spies that I have very limited experience with. I have only caught just a few big ones and nothing done in this size range.
apex
3/9/2018 10:20:21 AMYou could have retained that partner, it's a Oncorhynchus tshawytscha...aka Chinook
moosezema
3/9/2018 10:24:15 AMWell technically you cant keep a chinook that has an adipose fin. Landlocked salmon rules state you must follow the trout rules which is clipped adipose. Just an FYI.
afk
3/9/2018 1:02:58 PMWOW! moosezema you are correct! That is the letter of the law. Now how about the spirit of the law? Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Andy
Bent hook pontoon
3/9/2018 8:36:52 PMOuch. They really need to make a correction there. That hurts it’s not like there are any hatcherie chinook in there.
hewesfisher
3/10/2018 8:57:16 AMInteresting. I hadn't checked the landlocked salmon rules in quite sometime. Having done so, I disagree this landlocked chinook had to be released. Reason I say that is because there are two trout retention rules, one for fin clipped and one for the native redband. The no retention rule specifically identifies redband rainbow trout. A chinook, whether or not clipped, is not a native redband trout.
That said, I'd have released it was well because we haven't caught many chinook in Roosevelt and would have mistakenly assumed it a native redband. ;-)
That said, I'd have released it was well because we haven't caught many chinook in Roosevelt and would have mistakenly assumed it a native redband. ;-)
hewesfisher
3/10/2018 8:58:37 AMInteresting. I hadn't checked the landlocked salmon rules in quite sometime. Having done so, I disagree this landlocked chinook had to be released. Reason I say that is because there are two trout retention rules, one for fin clipped and one for the native redband. The no retention rule specifically identifies redband rainbow trout. A chinook, whether or not clipped, is not a native redband trout.
That said, I'd have released it was well because we haven't caught many chinook in Roosevelt and would have mistakenly assumed it a native redband. ;-)
That said, I'd have released it was well because we haven't caught many chinook in Roosevelt and would have mistakenly assumed it a native redband. ;-)
hewesfisher
3/10/2018 8:57:58 AMNice fish! Love the colors on that one. ANY day on the water is a good day, fish or no. Thanks for your report!
Part-Time
3/10/2018 9:12:48 AMGrappling with the Washington state rules, so much fun. The way I read the rule is "Adipose fin-clipped trout only". Think the reference to Red Band was removed a year or so ago. Seem to be catching more and more unclipped fish which I guess will make for a better fishery (maybe), me I like to bring em home whenever possible. Really don't know much about Chinook but while handling the fish(as little as possible) I never saw anything that made me doubt for a moment that it was anything but a wild rainbow. If it's wild I release it. Will plan on spending some time improving my Salmon identification skills. The picture was in the shade and missed quite a bit of the color.
hewesfisher
3/11/2018 6:50:22 AMDon't know why I got a double post. Anyway, the reason the adipose clipped only retention rule was implemented was specifically to protect native redband trout, not chinook. I tend to agree with Billm in how I read the landlocked salmon definition and the fact I attended the WDFW information meeting in Spokane discussing options for protecting redband trout. Still, if I weren't 100% certain it is a chinook, no question at all that I'd release it - just in case. ;-)
Part-Time
3/10/2018 10:35:33 AMForgot to mention that we launched out of Lincoln around 8 AM, did the A rock to Sterling troll and then eventually moved up and tried the mouth of the Spokane where we picked up that scaled creature on a Perch Kekeda fly.
catchme
3/10/2018 12:27:22 PMI'm no expert either, but that definitely looks different than the RB's. Look at the mouth...different than the RB's and the color is slightly lighter. Anyway, nice fish and ok you released. We release most of our catches, Koke's the exception, but none out there right now anyway.
Asianju
3/10/2018 7:11:21 PMLooks like a chinook jack from the pic. Has the typical blackmouth. Common trait for chinooks.
Billm
3/10/2018 11:05:38 PMGlad someone else mentioned it looked like a chinook, I though so as well. As to the question of whether is can be kept, or released. I read the requirements for Land Locked Salmon to be specific to "Seasons, daily limits, and size restriction", as defined on page 11 of the regs. It does not indicate clipped or not. So, this fish was legal to keep. The purpose of the clipped/not clipped rule was to protect the Red Band trout specifically. Not protect the land locked chinook.
windburned
3/12/2018 5:56:35 AMThe tribal fish counter said there are chinook planted in the lake by the tribe and even more Oncorhynchus Ahhshitsa! Look for black gums and tongue. spots on the tail. I don't have the tribal regs with me but I believe you can keep them adipose or not. River is down to where launching is an issue. Check before you head out. Keller Ferry will be using the alternate landing soon.
hewesfisher
3/12/2018 12:44:20 PMFor launch levels visit this link - https://www.nps.gov/laro/planyourvisit/boating.htm#CP_JUMP_61961
With the exception of Porcupine Bay (still closed by rock slide last year) there are 8 launches usable below 1250' and 5 below 1240'. No cause for alarm until under 1230' and even then, Keller Ferry (1229'), Seven Bays (1227'), and Spring Canyon (1222') are still usable. I've launched at Seven Bays at 1229' without issue. ;-)
With the exception of Porcupine Bay (still closed by rock slide last year) there are 8 launches usable below 1250' and 5 below 1240'. No cause for alarm until under 1230' and even then, Keller Ferry (1229'), Seven Bays (1227'), and Spring Canyon (1222') are still usable. I've launched at Seven Bays at 1229' without issue. ;-)