Researchers at Oregon State University who have been studying wild and hatchery steelhead interactions since 1991 have concluded that hatchery steelhead are less fit when it comes to reproduction than their wild counterparts. The ability to survive and successfully reproduce, also known as reproductive fitness, is markedly less even in the wild-born offspring of hatchery fish. In other words, the impairment can’t be “bred out” of these fish.
The OSU study found that a fish hatched in the wild of two hatchery-reared steelhead averaged 37% the reproductive fitness of fish with two wild parents, and 87% reproductive fitness if one parent was hatchery-reared and one parent was wild. The study also showed that reproductive fitness differences were still obvious after a full generation of natural selection in the wild. And this study is not the first of its kind: a 2007 report published in the journal Science showed that ocean migrating hatchery fish produced far less offspring than those with wild parents.
In the OSU study, conducted on the Hood River (tributary of the Columbia River), it was thought that using captive wild fish as brood stock would lessen the problem of impaired reproductive fitness. Wild brood stock did not lessen the problem. It comes down to natural selection – or the lack thereof. Fish that do well in the safe, predator-free world of the concrete raceway are not the same fish that do well in the danger-filled real world of a free-flowing river.
Death By A Thousand Cuts
The implication is that hatchery fish, which can and do survive to spawn in the wild, can harm wild fish by breeding with them and reducing their reproductive fitness. And while a few hatchery fish would not make a big difference in a strong wild population, a huge impact would be made on a wild salmonid population with few fish. Add this problem with competition for food and space as juveniles, loss of habitat, droughts, floods, poor ocean conditions, overharvest, poaching, pollution and dams, and its little wonder that salmonid populations are in peril.
Its Not Too Late
Fortunately for us, wild salmon and steelhead are still with us. Hatchery fish have been pumped into the Siuslaw and other rivers for decades, yet wild fish still return each fall and winter to spawn. This makes me optimistic that if we make the right decisions regarding wild fish, they will eventually return in greater and greater numbers.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Are You A Giver Or A Taker?
So I guess I’m making every other fisherman on the river mad. According to another local angler who claims to be “in the know”, the views I express through the Siuslaw News are destroying the fishing here. While I normally brush this person’s comments aside (I seem to be a frequent target of his attacks), it got me to thinking: am I giving back to the sport I love or simply taking what I can?
Are You A Taker?
Here’s my definition of a taker: someone who’s not worried about the number of fish returning, just so long as he can get his. The taker isn’t worried about future opportunities – just the here and now. The taker refuses to acknowledge the validity of spawning grounds surveys because he knows there’s plenty of fish. A taker is only concerned with any reduction in his opportunities – not really caring about other anglers. The taker is generally the last one you’d expect to give up any fish-catching tips, but the first to tell you a dozen stories about how great of a fisherman he is. After all, the taker figured out how to catch fish all by himself (yeah, right). And rather than admitting that he might be part of the problem, the taker will always blame some other person or group.
What’s So Great About Being A Giver?
A giver is willing to give up his own short-term opportunity for the big picture. A giver is not necessarily concerned with filling up the freezer, but realizes the value of wild fish goes way beyond the dinner plate. The giver respects the journey that our salmon and steelhead complete before they come home. The giver wants future generations to have the chance to experience what we’ve come to take for granted. Instead of complaining about what is lost, the giver takes action and tries to move things in a positive direction.
Be Part Of The Solution
I invite all of my readers to make a difference in our local fisheries. There are many different things you can do to give back: take someone fishing who might not be able to go by themselves. Leave your favorite fishing hole cleaner than you found it. Give fellow anglers a wave and a smile instead of a cross look when they fish next to you. And if you happen to experience some good fortune on the water, share your knowledge with other fisherman.
Thanks to all of you who make a difference. I know there are more givers than takers out there. And to that fine fellow who says (but probably doesn’t really think) that I’m single-handedly destroying fishing on the Siuslaw: you are always welcome to express your concerns to me personally. At least I’ll have some respect for that.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Are You A Taker?
Here’s my definition of a taker: someone who’s not worried about the number of fish returning, just so long as he can get his. The taker isn’t worried about future opportunities – just the here and now. The taker refuses to acknowledge the validity of spawning grounds surveys because he knows there’s plenty of fish. A taker is only concerned with any reduction in his opportunities – not really caring about other anglers. The taker is generally the last one you’d expect to give up any fish-catching tips, but the first to tell you a dozen stories about how great of a fisherman he is. After all, the taker figured out how to catch fish all by himself (yeah, right). And rather than admitting that he might be part of the problem, the taker will always blame some other person or group.
What’s So Great About Being A Giver?
A giver is willing to give up his own short-term opportunity for the big picture. A giver is not necessarily concerned with filling up the freezer, but realizes the value of wild fish goes way beyond the dinner plate. The giver respects the journey that our salmon and steelhead complete before they come home. The giver wants future generations to have the chance to experience what we’ve come to take for granted. Instead of complaining about what is lost, the giver takes action and tries to move things in a positive direction.
Be Part Of The Solution
I invite all of my readers to make a difference in our local fisheries. There are many different things you can do to give back: take someone fishing who might not be able to go by themselves. Leave your favorite fishing hole cleaner than you found it. Give fellow anglers a wave and a smile instead of a cross look when they fish next to you. And if you happen to experience some good fortune on the water, share your knowledge with other fisherman.
Thanks to all of you who make a difference. I know there are more givers than takers out there. And to that fine fellow who says (but probably doesn’t really think) that I’m single-handedly destroying fishing on the Siuslaw: you are always welcome to express your concerns to me personally. At least I’ll have some respect for that.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
ODFW Commission To Adopt Fall Chinook Regulations June 9
Due to anticipated poor returns, ODFW Commission members are expected to adopt some of the most restrictive fall chinook fishing regulations ever forwarded by biologists. Recommendations include reduced bag limits, new angling deadlines and the closure of the Nehalem basin to all chinook fishing. The Nehalem River is (was) home to one of the biggest chinook runs on the north Oregon coast. And while chinook fishing will be even more limited than last year, ODFW staff is recommending wild coho fisheries in tidewater portions of several different river systems – including the Nehalem, Yaquina, Coos and Coquille Rivers.
Why Are Coho Up And Chinook Down?
Chinook and coho salmon have different life histories, which makes it possible for these very similar species to return at different rates. Chinook and coho have different age structures – coho salmon return almost exclusively as 3 year-old fish, with a small number returning as 2 year-olds (jacks). Conversely, 4 and 5 year-old fish make up a significant part of the chinook return. Favorable ocean conditions have only taken hold (again) since 2007. This means that a large part of this year’s returning chinook headed into bad ocean conditions as juveniles, thus experienced higher mortality and lower overall returns. The coho salmon, with less turnaround, went to sea in better conditions and we are seeing greater returns. All things being equal (and we know they’re not), we will see a better return of fall chinook starting in 2010.
Commission Is A Wild Card
The ODFW Commission does not always follow staff recommendations, especially on controversial issues. For instance, on the Nehalem River how can you allow fishing for coho while chinook is shut down completely? How do you minimize the impact on chinook? Certainly some will be caught (and killed) incidentally? Also, Oregon Coast coho salmon are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The model of Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes does not fit the Nehalem fishery because on the lakes, there’s no chance of depleting an imperiled chinook run.
Regulations Not Much Different Than Last Year
Don’t expect any changes from last year’s regulations: the daily/season limit for chinook will most likely be 1/5 again this year. Also, angling is likely to be closed on Lake Creek, the mainstem above Lake Creek and on NF Smith River.
As always, your thoughts, calls, and e-mails are welcome on this and other related issues.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Why Are Coho Up And Chinook Down?
Chinook and coho salmon have different life histories, which makes it possible for these very similar species to return at different rates. Chinook and coho have different age structures – coho salmon return almost exclusively as 3 year-old fish, with a small number returning as 2 year-olds (jacks). Conversely, 4 and 5 year-old fish make up a significant part of the chinook return. Favorable ocean conditions have only taken hold (again) since 2007. This means that a large part of this year’s returning chinook headed into bad ocean conditions as juveniles, thus experienced higher mortality and lower overall returns. The coho salmon, with less turnaround, went to sea in better conditions and we are seeing greater returns. All things being equal (and we know they’re not), we will see a better return of fall chinook starting in 2010.
Commission Is A Wild Card
The ODFW Commission does not always follow staff recommendations, especially on controversial issues. For instance, on the Nehalem River how can you allow fishing for coho while chinook is shut down completely? How do you minimize the impact on chinook? Certainly some will be caught (and killed) incidentally? Also, Oregon Coast coho salmon are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The model of Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes does not fit the Nehalem fishery because on the lakes, there’s no chance of depleting an imperiled chinook run.
Regulations Not Much Different Than Last Year
Don’t expect any changes from last year’s regulations: the daily/season limit for chinook will most likely be 1/5 again this year. Also, angling is likely to be closed on Lake Creek, the mainstem above Lake Creek and on NF Smith River.
As always, your thoughts, calls, and e-mails are welcome on this and other related issues.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Now A Good Time For Stream Trout Fishing
During the past few days, people have been asking about where to go to catch some nice trout. My first instinct was to tell them about the many local lakes that have been or will be stocked. Mercer, Munsel, Alder, Cleawox and others are regularly stocked with catchable rainbow trout, with some “trophy” fish also available. These lakes can have some fast action and are good places to introduce kids to fishing. But there are other options. If you’re looking for an adventure, fewer people and a chance to see the beauty the Oregon Coast Range offers, head for one of the many streams that just opened up to trout fishing over the weekend.
Check Regulations Before Heading Out
The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations can sometimes be confusing, but if you take just a few minutes you can figure out the applicable rules for the stream you want to fish. There’s even a map that shows which streams are open. Be aware that many streams are closed to the use of bait, including nightcrawlers and eggs. This is to protect the juvenile salmon and steelhead, which are still in streams in large numbers. The ODFW regulations will also point you in the right direction on places to fish. Many tributaries of the Siuslaw River are open to trout fishing – including Sweet, Lake, Indian and Deadwood Creeks. The water levels are low enough to allow wading for long stretches. There’s no better way to cool off during a hot summer day.
Gearing Up
If you’re spin-fishing, small spinners are a great way to catch cutthroat trout. Silver, gold, copper and black have always been top colors for me. Please consider using single, barbless hooks when trout fishing as treble hooks can really make for a tough release for smaller fish. Concentrate on moving water – riffles offer cover and food and are a great place to find fish. An ultra-light rod and reel combination with 4-6 lb. test line is perfect for summer trout fishing. Another tip – fishing early and late often produces the best fishing. Another great way to catch stream trout is with a fly rod. Try small bead-heads and other nymphs fished under an indicator in riffles and tailouts.
Trout fishing in streams is one of the most rewarding forms of fishing. Wading the streams in summer gives you the chance to see all kinds of wildlife, get away from the crowds and maybe catch a few hard fighting and tasty cutts.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Check Regulations Before Heading Out
The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations can sometimes be confusing, but if you take just a few minutes you can figure out the applicable rules for the stream you want to fish. There’s even a map that shows which streams are open. Be aware that many streams are closed to the use of bait, including nightcrawlers and eggs. This is to protect the juvenile salmon and steelhead, which are still in streams in large numbers. The ODFW regulations will also point you in the right direction on places to fish. Many tributaries of the Siuslaw River are open to trout fishing – including Sweet, Lake, Indian and Deadwood Creeks. The water levels are low enough to allow wading for long stretches. There’s no better way to cool off during a hot summer day.
Gearing Up
If you’re spin-fishing, small spinners are a great way to catch cutthroat trout. Silver, gold, copper and black have always been top colors for me. Please consider using single, barbless hooks when trout fishing as treble hooks can really make for a tough release for smaller fish. Concentrate on moving water – riffles offer cover and food and are a great place to find fish. An ultra-light rod and reel combination with 4-6 lb. test line is perfect for summer trout fishing. Another tip – fishing early and late often produces the best fishing. Another great way to catch stream trout is with a fly rod. Try small bead-heads and other nymphs fished under an indicator in riffles and tailouts.
Trout fishing in streams is one of the most rewarding forms of fishing. Wading the streams in summer gives you the chance to see all kinds of wildlife, get away from the crowds and maybe catch a few hard fighting and tasty cutts.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
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