Fishing Forum

I just recently looked at a discussion on the illegality of removing certain fish, i.e. bull trout, from the water after catching for pictures, etc. Not absolutely sure how the discussion was resolved since it was locked.
Went back and read the proclamation and now I'm . [frown] Went to "releasing fish" section and - For Bull trout it states, in part, "it must be released immediately unharmed back into the water"!!!! That sure seems to infer removal???
Then I read and re read the "how anglers increase fish survival by releasing fish properly" and read "Leave the fish in the4 water while removing the hook,etc.".
Now I certainly recognize that this is much preferable if you know the fish is to be released, but -----------, mandatory by reg.?? [:/] It seems to me a recommended method, not mandatory.
My question stems from 2 reasons. #1 I'm from Utah and don't want to break any Idaho laws. #2 I fish a lot of locations that game fish (i.e. LM), are restricted by slot limits, in both numbers and size. It would seem very difficult to get a proper measurement w/o removal from the water. I don't want to beat a dead horse so please, no flaming, just and reasoned response, ok? I'm not looking to start a fight, just an answer. [] What am I missing?? I am kind of old and slow so be patient, ok? [blush]
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There is another part of the regulations under the species and bag limits which states...

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[left]There is no harvest season for bull trout. Any bull trout caught
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[left]may not be removed from the water and must be released
immediately.

If you only looked at the part describing bull trout you would miss the rest of it. They need to put the two parts together just to make it easier to understand.

Windriver
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Thanks Bud, I guess I'm good to go to remove my LM and others for measurement as long as I get em back healthy, right?
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When you see a law specific to nonremoval from the water you are dealing with a fish that is either listed or close to being listed in the ESA (Endagered Species Act) by the Feds. The state is simply trying to prevent water or fishing closures to water bodies containing these fish. This Idaho law is meant to prevent the Feds from taking further and much more drastic actions.
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Thanks Leaky. Glad I'm not the only one who's . I'm still waiting for an "official" answer from the Idaho fish-n-game, but maybe they don't do email....might have to call them.

I still think there's some ambiguity, but I'm kinda Bull-Headed myself.... there were a lot of folks there - mostly from Idaho, couple from Utah, and a number of Bulls got handled. But all were safely released.
In the future - I'll take the safe path, and just leave them in. I'd think that may make it harder to get a hook safely removed? Guess - just keep the pliers handy.

Other's have posted of having fish-n-game wardens help them measure a Bull before release "back" into the water. So ...

Per request - I've edited out any photos of bulls-out-of-water from my original post. The discussion got a bit passionate, and I can appreciate that folks feel a duty to protect their state resources, and I'm all in support of that. I think Windriver did a fine job moderating the discussion, and chose a good point to lock it down.

I know we have our protected species - and slot limits, as you say. In fact I had an encounter with my first Tiger Musky yesterday - wrong pole, wrong line - no chance! Even though those are mandated C&R, there's nothing in Utahs laws restricting them from being lifted out of water. At least not that I'm aware of, and I sure see plenty of photos of them held proudly.
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As far as removing hooks, I think if it isn't already the law, BARBLESS is the way to fish with fish requiring Catch and Release.
And it is absolutely possible to measure fish IN the water. Main think to remember is make sure their heads are always in the water. An I mean on all Catch and release, not just Bulls.
And if it is legal to lift, Hold your breath. When you need air, the fish needed it a little sooner. []
I am definitely one that likes to show off great looking (or even weird) fish, but I try to do it as fast as I can and keep the fish in the water between shots.
Some of the best pictures I have seen is with the fish still in the water.


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Good sage advice.

Guess part of the challenge when fishing a lake/river with a mix of fish - is what tackle is appropriate for which fish (like my little sears light-weight rod was NOT the right tackle for that big Musky!! Though it was great for perch and all them pesky baby basslets) - but I'm sure you'd recommend to err of the safe side overall.

Can't always decide before you cast which fish you're going to target.

My favorite Bull photo is this one - IN THE WATER - someone commented it looked like a shark. I was lucky to snap it quick while he was reeled in.

Awesome picture...Avatar stuff right there.

You are right about gear. Knowing what is in a lake is the key. Like Henry's, Strawberry, C, D, I use a 6 weight because I have caught fish from 12" to 36".
For normal waters like Jordanelle a 5 wt. is great.
Uinta's a 2 to 4 weight.
But in the Utah book it has a DWR guy with a 36" Muskie landed with a 3 wt rod. If you fight with the butt of the rod, you can do this. Just may take a little longer.
So even while possible to land big fish on small gear, and you KNOW there are big fish, then the humane thing to do is go heavier gear.
Maybe go with a full flex if you want to feel it more.

I really LIKE THAT PICTURE!!!!
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[quote flygoddess]
I really LIKE THAT PICTURE!!!![/quote]

Me too!
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Cuz he's in the water, right! [crazy]

Seriously - DowntownBrowns made the official call and got the official word from Idaho Fish-n-game, and Leaky - just wanted to be sure it got shared on your post too.

I was WRONG!!!! I admit it!!!!
I (and others) incorrectly interpreted the law, and the fish were not handled in accordance with the rules (but they did get released safely). It was unintentional, and has been an educational opportunity. But it won't happen again, and anyone I wish with will also get a a proper education.

Quote:Just got off the horn with Deb Baker at Idaho Fish and Game Enforcement Dept.
Here's what she told me:
The official regulations that state "may not be removed from the water" mean just that, they are not to be removed from the water for any purpose, including removing the hook.
The part in the regs where it says "back into the water" is a species identification reminder that includes an illustration and is meant for those who are unfamiliar with the species. If they've already taken it out of the water before they realized it was a bull trout, it needs to be put back into the water immediately.

I should add that she asked me to email her the link to this thread, which I did.

As I said elsewhere - the Bulls are a great resource, I was lucky to have an opportunity to meet such grand fish, and know better how they should be handled if I ever get a chance again.

Flygoddess - after all this - I don't know that I'd DARE use that photo as an Avatar. My little fry are from the fish hatchery up there.
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