Mostly catch and release, but…

[Gregory Allen]

I mostly catch and release in the small high creeks and lakes I fish, but I do enjoy a good fresh trout when the opportunity presents. I am aware and follow specific stream/fish regulations where they are present, but I have questions about what type/size fish are the best to keep when I want to supplement my regular dehydrated meal. What is best for stream conservation when I keep a few fish? Obviously, the microfish get returned immediately. I also tend to return the bigger guys. Do most people who take a couple tend to take medium sized fish? Should I take the bigger ones when possible? Keep the rainbows, return the brookies/browns?

[Greg Mihalik]

"Keep the rainbows, return the brookies/browns?"

Depends on where you are. Here in Colorado mainstreams the browns easily out compete the 'bows. Fish and Wildlife pleads with angles to take the limit on browns and maybe leave the 'bows for another day.

In the skinny mountain streams the bookies overrun the place. Taking as many as you can will increase the size of the remainders.

So the answer is – it depends on your fishery.

[MFR]

Greg said it well.

If I can take non-native fish, I will. Even more, if I can keep non-native invasive species, I would prefer that–I refuse, for example, to throw lake trout back alive in most of the watersheds I fish (not that I catch them, but it is a philosophical commitment). Even if I don't eat them, the lake trout do not get thrown back alive.

That said, I'm happy keeping a few medium-sized native fish if that is allowed by the fishing regulations and the fishery is vibrant and well-sustained. For example, on a recent trip to the South Fork of the Flathead, we had trout every night for dinner, but we never took our full daily or possession limit. Except for the first night, we ate native cutthroat. I feel fine with that decision–especially in the context of a backpacking trip, not as the norm every time I go out.

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