A fine catch isn't necessarily judged by its size. Sometimes paying close attention to tiny physical details will make you appreciate how magnificent these slimy creatures are. This month's photographic feature displays four fine stream salmonids!

Large resident river rainbow trout such as this one doesn't grow to this size by accident. Its streamline body shape suggests that it is a superb athlete in the river community. The lightly coloured gill plate can hypnotize any trout lover. Photo: Carlo Ng

Prior to release, this bull trout rests in the angler's hands while expanding its gills to catch its breath before freedom. Photo: Marco Li

Coastal cutthroat trout are unique on this planet for two reasons: their heavily spotted body, and the orange slashes under the lower Jaw. Photo: Rodney Hsu