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[nevertoolate]

Having caught very few fish on the Vedder apart from some pink in 2015, I am worried about whether I can identify what I probably wont catch if I go out next week.  I study the pictures but they are pretty small.

It occurs to me that I could use the following simple rule I made up myself.   If it is a hatchery fish with the adipose fin gone then its probably a coho.     If it isnt hatchery and doesnt look like a pink, then maybe its a Spring.

Would that be about right?

[Apennock]

I would say you're on the right track.  The best thing is just to identify what you can and if you're unsure at all just handle the fish with care and release it.  The more fish you see the more confident you'll get in your indentifications. 

[scouterjames]

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/identify-identifier-eng.html#salmon

[DanL]

It occurs to me that I could use the following simple rule I made up myself.   If it is a hatchery fish with the adipose fin gone then its probably a coho.     If it isnt hatchery and doesnt look like a pink, then maybe its a Spring.

*Most* hatchery clipped fish are coho but not all. There are hatchery clipped springs and apparently even sockeye, so this is not a foolproof method but you would be right 95%+ of the time.

Look at the head/mouth, back, and especially the tail and you will be able to discern coho/pink/springs 100% reliably. The spots are quite different once you see the difference.

Chum, look for the tiger stripes which are evident on essentially all Vedder chum.

Sockeye can be tricky to ID but look for a lack of spots. Coho/pinks/springs all have easily seen spots on the back.

If you are not sure, then let it go.

[nevertoolate]

thanks.   At the end of the day, it seems to me that right now the only fish I can keep is one that is clipped.  Correct?

[DanL]

thanks.   At the end of the day, it seems to me that right now the only fish I can keep is one that is clipped.  Correct?

Not quite. The hatchery clip requirement is only for coho and trout/char/steelhead. No other species currently open for retention in the Vedder currently needs to be hatchery marked.

See these two links for complete C/V regs:

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region2-eng.html

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations/docs/1719/fishing_synopsis_2017-19_region2.pdf

Since salmon fall under federal but freshwater fishing is provincial there are two sets of regs you have to be familiar with.

[Fish or cut bait.]

But there could be some clipped  late Sockeye.
Not likely but you should be able to tell the difference.

Words won't help.
Look at a few pictures.
Coho, springs and Pinks have vermiculations (spots) they differ.
Sockeye have no spots (nor chum)....
Confused yet?

[Fish or cut bait.]

And I forgot steelhead for Wich you need a stamp for. .

[Noahs Arc]

Once you get your hands on a few fish it becomes quite easy. If you have any doubt release the fish properly.

[FishOn36]

This is what used to go by

Spawning Phase:

 http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/salmon/PacificSpawningSalmonIDChart121913.pdf

Marine Phase:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/pac_salmon_id.pdf

[bigblockfox]

Study the mouth and gums as well. Can spot a coho a mile a away once you see the white gums.

[TheChumWhisperer]

Not trying to be rude here, but if you can't properly ID a fish, you shouldn't be taking anything home with you..

Catch and release until you know..

[Wackyfisherman]

Not trying to be rude here, but if you can't properly ID a fish, you shouldn't be taking anything home with you..

100% agree. Don't know, don't take. Seen many fish poached because a lack of knowledge.

Catch and release until you know..

[wildmanyeah]

Sorry for the blurry pic

Survey says?

[Fish Assassin]

Survey says picture not downloading.