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[Dr. Backlash]

I know that all wild Steehead have to be released in all rivers; but what rivers and/or Fraser tributaries here in the lower mainland are we allowed to keep a hatchery steelhead? 

Thanks for any info you could provide!

[Fish Assassin]

Chilliwack-Vedder, Chehalis,  Alouette, Stave

[Dr. Backlash]

So we are allowed to keep a hatchery Steelhead from either the Chilliwack-Vedder, Chehalis,  Alouette, Stave rivers?

Thanks for the reply FA!

[Steely]

Most rivers in the lower mainland allow fish retention but the rivers that FA said would be your best bets for catching hatchery fish. The rest have depleted stocks and should be left alone.

[Dr. Backlash]

Thanks for the reply Steely!

[Rodney]

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/docs/fish-synopsis_2007-08_region2.pdf

Just to add a few notes to what FA has posted. Region 2 rivers allow anglers to keep two hatchery steelhead per day, but there are exceptions. For example:

The daily quota of hatchery steelhead is one on the Chehalis, Chilliwack/Vedder River, not two.

You cannot keep both wild and hatchery steelhead on the Capilano River, Seymour River.

Check the information in the above link before heading out.

[firstlight]

Allthough the limit may be two Hatchery Steelhead on some systems it doesnt mean that there are enough fish to support a two kill fishery.
Its time they changed these regs. to make it a one fish limit in my opinion.
If the Vedder cant support a two fish limit then these other rivers certainly cant.

[rln]

Allthough the limit may be two Hatchery Steelhead on some systems it doesnt mean that there are enough fish to support a two kill fishery.
Its time they changed these regs. to make it a one fish limit in my opinion.
If the Vedder cant support a two fish limit then these other rivers certainly cant.

What's the difference? They are hatchery fish that are created with our tax dollars. The only reason that the limit is not 2 on either the Chehalis or Vedder is to reduce crowding.Guys on the vedder would kill one fish and then continue to fish the rest of the day. With the large volume of anglers these to rivers have MoE decided it was a better idea to reduce the limit and move people along after they have kept one steelhead. MoE does not any hatchery fish to have the chance to spawn with wild fish and wishes for sports anglers to harvest each and every last hatchery steelhead returning to our local flows that offer a retention fishery.

[Nicole]

Allthough the limit may be two Hatchery Steelhead on some systems it doesnt mean that there are enough fish to support a two kill fishery.
Its time they changed these regs. to make it a one fish limit in my opinion.
If the Vedder cant support a two fish limit then these other rivers certainly cant.

It's not that the Vedder can't support 2, it was requested by anglers to bring it back down to one, due to overcrowding and the river being invaded by "that type" of angler.

Cheers,
Nicole

[Pat AV]

All Vedder and Chehalis hatchery steelies come from wild brood stock. These are fish that would have otherwise spawned naturally to create more wild steel. 1 a day is plenty in my opinion.

They are not created using "our tax dollars" they are created by taking eggs from wild fish!

[Steely]

Isn't it about the thrill of catching these magnificent fish. Yes it is true that it's nice to take one home once and awile but I just enjoy my time out serching for these fish. if your there for the meat you don't know what steelheading is about. This is the time of year I get exited about because of less crowds and the challange of hooking these fish. I have had days on the river salmon fishing spoiled because of people that invaid your space and are there for the meat not the fun of the sport. When steelheading I have never had a bad day even if I don't catch anything it's always an adventure. Increasing the fish limit would just put more people on the river and would, for me anyway decrease the amount of good days. My 2 cents.

[Dr. Backlash]

This is my first season getting the chance to fish for Steelhead and I'm very excited!  I am completely aware of the fact that Steehead stocks have been depleted on most rivers over the years and they are an extremely rare species.  I usually release almost every fish i catch, and if/when I ever catch a hatchery Steelhead I will probably release it (especially if its a large fish); but I might keep a small one because I heard they're one of, if not the best tasting salmon.

I appreciate all the replies and I hope that this post doesn' stray off topic!

[BladeKid]

Isn't it about the thrill of catching these magnificent fish. Yes it is true that it's nice to take one home once and awile but I just enjoy my time out serching for these fish. if your there for the meat you don't know what steelheading is about. This is the time of year I get exited about because of less crowds and the challange of hooking these fish. I have had days on the river salmon fishing spoiled because of people that invaid your space and are there for the meat not the fun of the sport. When steelheading I have never had a bad day even if I don't catch anything it's always an adventure. Increasing the fish limit would just put more people on the river and would, for me anyway decrease the amount of good days. My 2 cents.

I agree 100% ! Well said.