Re: Fishing to spawning fish
If you are fishing according to the laws set forth by the state you are fishing in, you are within your rights to fish during the spawn if that is permitted. Beyond that you get into the area of personal choice as to when you target certain species. There is recurring controversy in Ohio about this as pertains to the put-and-take steelhead fishery (we are a warm water fishery in our rivers so there is negligible natural reproduction from the hatchery fish infused into the system each year). Nobody wins this debate, and it continues ad nauseam. I no longer tell people what my opinion is, because there's always someone waiting to evangelize me to their opinion. Do what your own conscience tells you do, and stay within the laws.
Joe
Re: Fishing to spawning fish
I read an article, a number of years back, about this very topic. The author's view was, that it's ok to fish over spawning fish provided you didn't try to hook all the fish in the pod. He said if he came upon a pod of fish, he would try to get one or two to take and if they did, he moved to the next spot.
I do it similar to that. If I see a pair, on their redds, i'll leave them but if there's more than a few, i'll try for at least one and then move along.
Re: Fishing to spawning fish
Oh my! IMHO - let 'em be! The most vulerable time of their life? Isn't there plenty at other times?
Re: Fishing to spawning fish
What did I tell you...? LMAO
Re: Fishing to spawning fish
Why I'm stayin' out of it !
Sorta,
MontanaMoose
Re: Fishing to spawning fish
My thoughts are you must not wade through the riffles where redds are. Beyond that is arguable. My vote is to leave them alone completely.... and I focus on rainbows in the fall (and browns in the spring if the water is low enough).
Re: Fishing to spawning fish
By vulnerable, do you mean that by fishing to them it's potentially dangerous to the fish? I'll agree that it's not as sporting (because the fish are so eager and not as much effort or skill is required), but if it doesn't do any damage to the them or their spawn, what's the problem? if it does do damage, even potential damage, i understand. but if the fish are just more willing to strike your fly, i don't see the problem. by that theory, you shouldn't fish the mother's day caddis hatch because the fish are just too willing. i'm not trying to start a controversy, i'm just trying to fully understand. and if this gets too heated, by all means delete the thread.
Re: Fishing to spawning fish
Ok squatchHunter, I'll throw this in and mind you, I'm neither here nor there about fishing over the spawn, though I do leave certain fish alone during the spawn. I think what a lot of ppl's concern is that the trauma inflicted during the catching and releasing of a spawning fish doesn't further the 'nest protection' if you will, or perhaps even the actual spawning event.
Beyond that I don't really want to say how I feel about fishing over spawning fish of any kind because I've done it plenty, but there are some spawning fish I leave alone if I'm aware they're there where I'm fishing.
I don't think my ethic is askew nor do I think I'm hurting any species that I am willing to fish for while they're spawning but as mentioned by some (and I regard all opinions highly) it's not a good idea, but then again as in my case, I feel it 'depends'. This will open up more debate I'm sure but hey, what's a board without 'debate' or fishing in general for that matter ! Hope some of this makes sense.
Cheers,
MontanaMoose
Re: Fishing to spawning fish
I think Joe V had the right response... in that there are as many opinions as members. That being said, in Alaska, we are confronted with this very issue every year. While targeting one species, another may be in the spawn, thus leading to incidental catches. The data is clear that catch and release, even when done properly, results in a certain level of fish mortality (at least in Alaskan waters and presumedly others). Then you ad the fact that the spawning fish are already stressed and angry. Indeed this is so aparent in Alaska waters that it is against the law to remove some species from the water after an incidental catch.
Now that being said, some of the best trout fishing I have enjoyed (rainbows, steelhead and dolly varden) have been below the redds fishing beads (another contraversy) pegged above the hook. I have fished egg patterns but find more deep hooks than pegged beads, but that is another thread all together.
Ethically, I agree with previous posts to pay close attention to the regulations. Secondly, consider the effects of catching potentially spawning fish that would be propagating the species. Some streams/rivers, that is not an issue, while others, with a small return, a 7% mortality could greatly impact the future fish populations. Species are also important to consider. Rainbow trout and king salmon are particularly vulnerable to catch and release. Likewise, coho (silver) salmon are vulnerable the first day or so after entering fresh water.
My personal preference is to avoid spawning fish, however, it is very clear that incidental catches are going to occur. In those cases, try to land the fish quickly and gingerly/efficiently release/rescuitate the fish.
Good luck