From the webmaster:

The upcoming hatchery coho opening in the Fraser River will provide anglers plenty of opportunities to catch some nice fish. I would like to use this opportunity to remind readers that all wild coho salmon are required to be released in the least harmful manner. Here are two photos of a wild and hatchery coho salmon.

Wild coho salmon - All wild salmon have an adipose fin just behind the dorsal fin. These wild fish are native spawners from tributaries of the Fraser River. They need to be released to complete their spawning cycle.

Hatchery coho salmon - All hatchery coho salmon are produced in hatcheries such as the Chilliwack, Chehalis River hatcheries. These fish are produced for anglers to keep. All hatchery coho salmon are missing the adipose fin. The adipose fin is cut off during their juvenile stage as a method to mark these fish.

To release a wild fish properly, try to keep the fish out of the water as little as possible. Avoid any head impacts on rocks. Use a catch & release net if possible. More on catch and release...

Please also read: Understanding coho production

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