Wild and hatchery trout, steelhead, and salmon are commonly found together in many Oregon rivers and streams. Hatchery-reared fish are used to supplement natural production or compensate for lost production (e.g. dams). However, catching and keeping a wild fish has a greater effect on a fish population than catching and keeping a hatchery fish. Here's why:
Hatchery fish are protected in a hatchery pond until adulthood, while wild fish must survive stream disturbances and predators to become adults. Adult wild fish that survive are the strongest and most cunning of their kind. Also, wild fish are much more likely to spawn in a stream than hatchery fish. So, returning wild fish to the

1. Use hooks that are barbless and made from metals that rust quickly.
2. Decide to release a fish as soon as it is hooked.
3. Set the hook immediately. Try to prevent a fish from swallowing the bait.
4. Land your quarry quickly; don't play it to exhaustion.
5. Work a fish out of deep water slowly, so it can adjust to the pressure change.
6. Always keep release tools handy.

1. Place the fish in the water gently, supporting its mid-section and tail until it swims away.
2. Resuscitate an exhausted fish by moving it back and forth or tow it gently alongside the boat to force water through its gills.
3. Watch your quarry to make sure it swims away. If it doesn't, recover the fish and try again.

Remember, a released fish has an excellent chance of survival when handled carefully and correctly.

Steve Abel thought he would never be in the net business. Then, one day, his son Jeff, with a big grin on his face, handed him this net and said, "Try this, Dad, I have a patent pending." After trying and testing it, Steve was amazed. It worked even better than he thought it could. What a fantastic catch and release instrument! It instantly measures the fish and allows you to release it quickly without handling it.
There's a fine mesh Nylon strip marked in one-inch increments from the center of the netting up to each end of the bag. When you net a fish it might measure 6 up one side and 9 up the other. Aha! It's a 15-incher!
No more half-dead fish flopping on the bank while you try to get a measuring tape from your vest. No need to move it or skootch it around until you can get a ruler on it. No need to handle the fish at all. Just net the fish and measure it in one quick swoop.
These nets are handmade in the U.S.A. from a variety of laminated hard woods to attain a beautiful grain and maximum strength. The nets are replaceable and the wood frame is guaranteed for life. Nets are delivered in a custom padded Nylon carrying/storage pouch.

Big Fish Fly, The String Leech