Hi Ron
I love your non biased, non confrontational attitude
The best way I can describe my view on this issue is to quote from BigTJs post above...
To answer your question about "would there be any steelhead at all if they werent suplimented by the hatchery in light of dams" It depends on the river system, but by and large I would say yes, by the simple fact that most of the rivers in question still have a self sustaining population of wild fish. Hatchery fish obviously add a good percentage to the run in our rivers. They allways will as long as our hatcheries continue to operate. Killing a hatchery fish doesnt jeapordize the 1000's of offspring that killing a native will. A very large majority of hatchery fish eggs are "flushed down the toilet".excess hatchery fish in the system interfere with the wild fish spawning. Studies have shown that hatchery fish are dramatically less successful thatn wild fish at spawning fish in the wild, and their genetics contribute to inferior fish. Reducing the number of hatchery fish in the system actually improves the odds for the wild fish spawning successfully (which are the only fish that have a decent shot at success with wild spawing) and helps maintain the genetic diversity of the fish in the system. Increased harvest of hatchery fish every year (along with habitati improvements) could theoretically actually lead to an eventual REDUCTION in the number of hatchery fish released, if it has a positive effect on the number of wild returning fish, thus reducing the need for hatchery supplement of the runs.
The way I look at it is like this, When I tag a hatchery fish, A. It has no chance of spawning with a native fish, adding problems to the gene pool stated in TJs quote. B. There is no concern whatsoever in the future stock of our steelhead because the fish is on a one way, dead end trip anyway. C. Fish is one of the healthiest things you can eat and my wife likes it.
I am a hipocrite cause I have been tagging less than 3% of the fish I catch. I have mentioned before that I think its a hassle and I'm not that crazy about eating them. Like everyone else here, I love them, I love to watch them swim away...its totaly bitter sweet tho.
As far as the comment above about not telling the difference between a hatchery and native fish by its fight.. Without trying to sound condescending, you will once youve caught a WHOLE BUNCH of each. Ive caught hatcheries that have blown my mind and Ive caught wild fish that just rolled over, but a good majority is noticable about 1/2 way thru the fight when the hatchery fish loses its will to live and the native keeps pounding the current.
Jay
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