Small stream trout

[fishing_mission]

Hey guys I have a few questions I have been pondering for a while and was looking too see if you guys had any advice.
I got about a halfmile of creek on my property with some decent fishing. I have fished it for years just C&R . There is cutthroat and rainbows majority of the fish are small 5 to 8 inches with a few around 12 (lots of minnows too) I was just debating on whether or not to try an feed them. Would it be a good idea or could it possible do harm. And also what to feed them if I did.
Just looking for any advice or opinions all is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[PNW Sam]

I would imagine that feeding wild fish in a stream would be illegal, and would almost certainly be considered chumming, even if you weren't fishing at the time of the feeding.

If it is legal in any way, I certainly wouldn't consider it to be ethical. These are wild fish we are talking about, not pets in a bowl.

 

[fishing_mission]

So it would be unethical to try and boost the population and quality of fish on my property?

 

[halibuthitman]

through feeding, yes, but you could do habitat enhancments like adding logs and boulders and streamside brush to promote the trout staying in that location, and making them survive longer and attracting natural feed to the area-

 

[eggs]

through feeding, yes, but you could do habitat enhancments like adding logs and boulders and streamside brush to promote the trout staying in that location, and making them survive longer and attracting natural feed to the area-

+1

 

[fishing_mission]

There is plenty off logs brush and bank for cover but it seems they are not getting enough food because how skinny they are and the lack of larger fish.

 

[halibuthitman]

There is plenty off logs brush and bank for cover but it seems they are not getting enough food because how skinny they are and the lack of larger fish.

then your problem may be too many fish, I would keep some of the smaller fish 8 and under and eat them or give them to someone who will, or the problem may simply be the ecosystem will not support a fish population that grows to any size, this could be due to water temp, water depth and wether its a spring creek or a run off creek.. some places just don't support large fish.

 

[eggs]

Or kill em and eat the side meat then toss the leftover remains back for nutriants. A form of 'feeding' them.

 

[C_Run]

Hey guys I have a few questions I have been pondering for a while and was looking too see if you guys had any advice.
I got about a halfmile of creek on my property with some decent fishing. I have fished it for years just C&R . There is cutthroat and rainbows majority of the fish are small 5 to 8 inches with a few around 12 (lots of minnows too) I was just debating on whether or not to try an feed them. Would it be a good idea or could it possible do harm. And also what to feed them if I did.
Just looking for any advice or opinions all is appreciated.

Thanks

We have the same situation and I have also wondered about this. I see ODFW put salmon carcasses in a creek nearby to "fertilize" it, lots of carcasses. I also remember reading the results of fertilizing natural fish in B.C. streams. The result was larger smolts. I have occasionally dropped a salmon carcass in our creek but I am not sure it's legal since the regs say not to introduce dead fish parts into the waterways. You should consult with ODFW. I know there has been $$ for things like tree planting, structures, culvert removal, etc.

 

[rogerdodger]

I would focus on the habitat- are there enough areas for larger fish to be comfortable, deeper holes or pools, if not, create some or improve what is there, and next would be water flow and temperature- is temp. getting too high during summer (water flow too low perhaps..)...

 

[fishing_mission]

Good options guys thanks. I like the thought of throwing the salmon carcasses in there if it were legal. Maybe I will call dfw and see what they say