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Whoops! A bull trout, which are a Threatened species, was misidentified as a brook trout in the last issue of The Messenger. ODFW’s Information Team missed it but was alerted by ODFW fish biologists about the mistake. The Information Team regrets the error. We’re going to brush up on our fish ID skills—you can too with the information below! |
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Bull vs. Brook Trout ID
Bull trout and brook trout look similar at first glance, but if you look closely there are differences between the two. The best indicator is black marks on the dorsal fin. If there are black marks on the dorsal fin it is a brook trout; put the bull trout with no marks back. It may be easier to see the color patterns on the dorsal fin if the fish is submerged in water; keeping the fish in water is good catch-and-release practice as well.
In some areas, bull trout and brook trout hybridize, and this can make it more difficult to identify which species you caught. If you aren’t sure what fish you have, it’s best to release it. Bull trout are a Threatened species and must be released, except in Lake Billy Chinook. Brook trout are a non-native species and may pose a danger to bull trout. Know how to identify them before you go and help us protect bull trout.
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Coho vs. Chinook
Two commonly caught species of salmon are coho and Chinook. Fishing regulations require anglers to correctly identify salmon species as restrictions such as legal lengths and seasons often vary based on the species.
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Trout ID
Trout are Oregon's most popular game fish but there are several species and not all are open to fishing. Learn how to identify them correctly, and find some tips for catching them, too.
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Rockfish ID
It's important to be able to distinguish between the most commonly encountered rockfish. Knowing what you've caught, and how many you can possess, will keep you on the right side of the regulations. Take a quiz to test your rockfish ID skills.
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Catch and Release Tips
In some Oregon state waters catch and release fishing is required in order to protect valuable fish resources. In many waters, however, release or harvest is a personal choice. One way anglers can help maintain and restore native fish populations is to learn how to catch and release wild fish properly. Before fishing, anglers should always consult the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for any harvest restrictions.
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ODFW Messenger: Special Edition | April 2024 |
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The ODFW Messenger is a monthly email which highlights some of the best seasonal opportunity available, and we’ll cover content for fishing, hunting, clamming, crabbing, wildlife viewing, and everything in between. Consider the Messenger your short list for the best adventures in the current season. Lastly, we want to thank you for your continued readership and hope you’ll share it with your friends. |
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