Many anglers have chosen to take up the practice of catch-and-release fishing. The reason can be attributed to special regulations or personal preference.
Leslie Ajari demonstrates how to keep fish wet.
Anglers also want to document their catch and often do so by taking that “hero shot” or “grip and grin” photograph or digital image for posterity. This has led to a new campaign entitled “Keep “Em Wet,” sponsored by the Native Fish Society.
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“Taking a picture while the fish is in the water limits the
amount of time the fish spends out of water and the amount
of handling it has to endure.”
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We have long known that there is a hooking mortality associated with the catch-and-release process. This mortality varies depending on what study you read. As anglers, we can limit this mortality by properly releasing fish.
We may all feel good about releasing fish. The truth is that many of the fish you release may not make it if improperly handled. They may swim off, only to die later.
The Keep ‘Em Wet campaign suggests we keep the fish in the water. Taking a picture while the fish is in the water limits the amount of time the fish spends out of water and the amount of handling it has to endure. As a result, the hooking mortality goes down and the fish are much more likely to survive the experience.
If you must pick a fish out of the water to take a picture, do so quickly. You should see water dripping from the fish if this is done quickly. Ten seconds should be more than enough time if the photographer is ready.
However, the better option is to keep the fish in the water while it is photographed. Why not give the fish a better chance for survival so it can give another angler the opportunity?
Here are some suggestions to insure that you give the fish the best chance of survival when you are releasing it.
- Use single barbless hooks for easy hook removal.
- Play the fish as quickly as you can.
- Use a net to quickly land the fish. One with rubber netting is best. Avoid nylon.
- Wet hands before handling the fish so as not to remove the fish’s protective slime. This slime is a fish’s protection against bacteria.
- If the fish is hooked deeply, cut the line as close to the fish as you can.
- Use two hands to support the fish. One hand near the head and the other around the tail. Don’t squeeze the fish. Most sensitive organs, the heart, gills and liver, are near the pectoral fins.
- Try and keep them wet.
For more information on the Keep ‘Em Wet campaign, visit nativefishsociety.org.
FISHING REPORT
Boca Reservoir | Inflow is at 80 cfs and the outflow is 80 cfs. Powerbait, nightcrawlers and lures are all working. Fly-fishers have been catching some fish near the inlet with nymphs, streamers and dries.
Donner Lake | Fishing has been fair to good. Kokanee fishing has been good although the fish are small. Nightcrawlers and Powerbait seem to be the main bait. Mackinaw fishing has been good. Fly-fisherers are catching some fish with streamers.
Lake Tahoe | All tributaries are closed to all fishing until Sept 30. Fishing has been fair to good for mackinaw. A guide is highly recommended if you are fishing for mackinaw for the first time. Toplining and shore fishing are fair. Most shore anglers use inflated nightcrawlers.
Little Truckee River | The flow is at 80 cfs. Be prepared to share the water with a lot of anglers. This river has been busy this season. With the water at this level, nymphs and dries have both been working. Hatches are similar to those in Truckee River. In addition, green drakes should be showing.
Martis Lake | Zero kill. Catch and release only with barbless artificial lures or flies. Fishing is best early in the season and again in fall. Smallmouth bass are now part of the fishery.
Prosser Reservoir | Fishing has been fair to good. Anglers using bait, lures and flies have all caught fish. Fly-fishers have done well near the inlet areas. Bass fishing has been fair.
Stampede Reservoir | Fishing has been fair to good from shore. The ramp is available to launch most boats. Nightcrawlers, Powerbait and lures have all produced from shore. Fly-fishers have been doing well near the inlets with nymphs and streamers. The Kokanee fishing has been fair to good for those getting out. Smallmouth bass fishing has been fair.
Truckee River | It is not flowing out of the lake at Tahoe City. The flows through Truckee are at 233 cfs. Great early season flows in the river. Fishing has been good. Caddis imitations, PMD, Little Yellow Stones and streamers are working. This is special regulation, artificial-only-with-barbless-hook water. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged, but an angler may keep two fish with a minimum size of 14 inches during the regular trout season.
Davis and Frenchman lakes | Both are now if full swing. Boat, shore and fly anglers are catching fish. Reports from Davis are fair. The damelflies are still going well, but the fish have become selective. Blood midge and Callibaetis imitations are producing. Frenchman fishing has been good. Try the same hatches as in Davis.
Bruce is a long-time area fly-fisherman and past president of Tahoe Truckee Fly Fishers. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to read more.
