Conservation

The other reason why I feel you should release the fish is, like most good things, wild trout are a limited resource.  Many of the natural habitats for trout have been and are continuing to be destroyed.  What we have left is what we have to fight for.  The wild trout we have left need our help.  Like Lee Wulff said, "A good game fish is too valuable to be caught only once."  And the bigger the fish, the more vital it is that it be returned unharmed.  The larger the fish, the more precious it is as spawning stock.  That fish really is the best of the best and it it is the best that will reproduce the best.  If we remove that fish from the stream or lake, we remove all of it's progeny.  By practicing catch and release, you are helping to ensure that fly fishing survives and the trout (including steelhead, of course) we love hang around for not only for us to catch a second time, but for our children and theirs as well.

OK.  I'm sold.  But, how do I catch and release properly?

Good question!

•   Use barbless hooks.
•  Avoid using trebles because they can cause unnecessary damage. (many areas have single, barbless  hook regulations anyway)
•  Use tackle that is strong enough to bring fish to hand quickly, avoid overtiring them.
•  Use knotless mesh landing nets, to avoid damage to eyes, gills, fins and body.
•  use hemostats/forceps or similar tool to remove the hook quickly and painlessly with minimal damage  and stress to the fish.
•  If the fly is far down the gullet or gills, cut it off!  Better to lose the fly than kill the fish.
•  Avoid handling the fish if you can, if you must use your hands, wet them first so you don't remove  their protective coating.
•  Never use gaffs or drag fish ashore.
•  Keep the fish in the water, let it breath. Taking a fish from the water after playing it is like asking you  to sprint a mile then hold your breath for five minutes!
•  Measure the fish against your rod or carry a soft measuring tape if you want to estimate its weight.
•  Take a picture.  It will last a lifetime.
•  Hold the fish carefully facing the current, support it from beneath until it recovers sufficiently for a safe  release.

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