Fish Identification

[Proverb]

I find it hard to identify some of the fish I catch so I end up letting them good to be on the safe side. Does anyone here have a link to like a photo with washington state fish on it? The manual is very hard for me to discern because the pictures rarely look like the fish I catch. This could also be because I'm very colorblind but I think photographs would be easier to take with me for when I catch "strange" fish.

[racfish]

Proverb. Id have to agree with you on this subject.The rules and regulations handbook really is bad.I too have my troubles distinguishing fish at times.I've been fishing Wa state my entire life and still have problems with salmon identification.All salmon have black and white markings in their mouths.Some fins are clipped others are half clipped and some are naturally deformed.I'm always nervous about what to keep and what to throw back.Ever try to measure a fish thats flipping everywhere and try not to hurt it in anyway.Its damn near impossible.There are charts you can get on species of fish.I think Joes has them as many other places have to.

[papamike]

I picked up a key chain from the dfw with little cards that have pictures of fish and a short discription one per card check with them they may have some left.

[racfish]

What a great idea.Thanks Papa.

[Rich McVey]

It not the newest document but the pictures are better than the ones in the regs. - http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/warmwater/warmwater_2005.pdf

papamike: Is this similar to what you mentioned? - http://www.identicards.com/productcart/ ... oduct=5074

[papamike]

These are bigger than i got but look easier to read

[Proverb]

Thanks for the help guys.

[Proverb]

ok something that's bothering me still. How do I know if I get a trout or steelhead? The rules on both are different but google images makes them look very similar. I was told steelhead are just trout that go to the ocean.. how do I know if the fish I caught has gone to ocean or not they don't carry on them an itinerary.

[G-Man]

By definition a Steelhead is a Rainbow trout that migrates out to the ocean before returning to spawn in freshwater. They are generally narrower bodied than Rainbows that live in a lake year round and have a good, normal sized head. Our state has decided that a Rainbow over 20" long in a body of water that connects to the ocean is a Steelhead. So, if you catch a 22 inch rainbow in the Potholes, you've got yourself one nice Rainbow. Catch that same length fish in the Green river in Auburn and you've got yourself a tiny Steelhead. If you have caught a few of both you'll notice a difference in appearance like that 22" fish in the potholes will weigh 6lbs and that 22" fish out of the Green will weigh 3 maybe 4lbs at the most. Best thing to do is check the regs before you go, especially where Rainbows and Steelhead can be caught in the same body of water like Lake Washington or Lake Sammamish.

[Proverb]

Thanks that helps G-Man because where I fish (Snake River) both can be caught.