Irish, I read the regulation. I only fish kokanee so to my knowledge there is not a concern about keeping any wild fish. I keep the fins intact anyway. My question was really about the discarding of the carcass in the lake. I am not concerned about being able to identify the fish. I...
@pcstock - I only filet each side keeping intact the skin, and the fins on the skin. Where do you find a regulation about mutilation? interesting choice of words :)
I found this in the regulations - seems to be ok if in same lake - which it would be
14. Disposing of a fish carcass into waters other than where the fish was caught. Anglers must retain enough of the carcass to identify the size, species and any fin clip.
I recently went out with a guide in California, and he cleaned the fish in the lake and discarded the carcasses in the lake.
Was nice to do that while on the boat and working the way back to shore...kills two birds since you are just riding back anyway.
Is this legal to do in Oregon?
thanks