Small Natives

[ssteelheadsteve]

I have noticed several posts/complaints about small natives.
For those of you who are not aware of the past let me clue you in.Most of Oregons rivers used to have runs of "small" steelhead that you could set your calendar by.Low water or high they would be there on time.
As the Native populations recover in our streams you will see more small natives.This IS GOOD.These fish carry genetic material that is crucial to the rebuilding of the runs.Treat them carefully.As the Native populations recover you will see these smaller fish returning in greater numbers over a longer period of time.Do not be surprised to be catching small w.steelhead in November or April in the future.Please do not make the mistake of thinking these fish are les valuable than their bigger cousins.Washington and Oregon made that mistake in their hatcheries in the 70's.The result was the collapse of the Coho just after the Washougal Steelhead Program failed.Both states now spawn "jacks" with their adults.The results have all been positive so far.
As for the thoughts conveyed by some that these 'Little" fish are the ones escaping the drift nets I for one am not buying it.Since August I have handled over 400 Steelhead and have seen several net marked fish.These net marks are fresh indicating they escaped the Native American welfare fishery.However I see about 40% of the fish we are catching having seal marks.Please handle the little guys carefully.They are very valuable.Thanks

[Osprey]

Oh Wow by the topic page I thought they had dicovered a tribe of Pigmy Natives that wanted their share of Wild steelhead too.....Os

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

Holy Crap O's, I would have peed myself if I read your reply earlier. I really had to go.