A Case For Catch and Release Fishing

With the recent announcement from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game restricting the early Kenai king run to catch and release fishing, the debate over the practice has once again become front and center. One side will argue it's about recreation and economic opportunity, while the other side believes it is abhorrent and should not be allowed. Which is it? 

People who oppose catch and release fishing often say “you’re playing with your food" and "hundreds and hundreds of king salmon die from being caught and released." I really can't argue the first statement because it's based on emotion and opinion. I find it’s difficult to convince someone who has this mindset to think any differently. On the other hand, the second statement, “hundreds and hundreds of king salmon die from being caught and released” can be refuted by facts. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has conducted two extensive studies on the mortality rate of released sport caught king salmon and their findings have been the foundation of their management approach.  

Let’s take a look at what they have found. 

From 1986-1989 a study was conducted by Terry Bendock and Marianna Alexandersdottir about the hook and release mortality rate of sport caught king salmon on the Kenai River. The detailed analysis and methods of data collection can be found here.

The key finding is this: over a four year period of study, the mortality rate of sport caught released king salmon ranged from a high of 10.6% to a low of 4%. That averages out to 7.6%. The study was conducted with bait and the use of multiple hooks and found that the "frequency of gilled and bleeding fish was small”.  It’s important to compare that to where we are today. When ADFG mandates catch and release, fishing is restricted to a single hook with no bait. Single hook with no bait equates to less fish being caught and handled. Common sense would say that today’s mortality percentage would be even less than 7.6% that was established through this study. This, of course, is my own opinion. 

Over thirty years later a follow up study was done to the seminal Kenai River findings. Jason Dye and Lee Borden conducted a mortality rate of sport caught king salmon on the Nushagak River (Bristol Bay) from 2017 to 2018. The detailed analysis and data collection methods can be found here.

In 2017, the mortality rate for a released sport caught king salmon was 6.7%. In 2018, the mortality rate was 6.0%. Both slightly lower than what was observed on the Kenai River thirty years earlier.

Some believe these rates of mortality are high. Relative to other fisheries, these numbers are low, very low. Try googling mortality rates of catch and release walleye fishing. You are going to find rates between 28% and 50% (Northwest Territories and Alberta, respectively). 

Let me end this post by saying this: I believe in the efficacy of catch and release fishing as a management tool for king salmon runs. When ADFG announces a catch and release emergency order, they are doing it with the knowledge and understanding gained from two comprehensive studies of the practice. Their decision is based on allowing recreation with an acceptable mortality rate all the while preserving future runs of king salmon. It is no easy task, and, unfortunately, often  political winds rather than facts come into play....for both sides of the argument.  




Beaver Creek Cabins & Guide Service

Fishing Report Week Ending 7/27/14

The best week of king fishing that I've had as a guide came to an end when the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced that the 2014 king salmon will be closed prematurely in an effort to meet spawning goals.  

Last week I reported that ADFG used the step down measure of catch and release king fishing.   This action allowed anglers to enjoy the pursuit of kings with a minimal affect to mortality (ADFG estimates 8.5% will not survive).   This is a cautious approach to monitoring the run.  If things do not improve the next step is a complete closure.

For the guys who chose to catch and release kings this past week the action was unbelievable.

Double digit days were not out of the ordinary.  

If you like to catch kings, and the Kenai River goes to catch and release, you shouldn't hesitate whether or not you should be on the water.  

Jason, Jeff, Al and Gary

For my clients that wanted to bring back home fresh Alaska salmon, we took a break from the king action and got on the bank to catch red salmon.

Jack, Pat, Mike and Ed

Clearly, catch and release king fishing and red salmon fishing is a winning combination.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the other guys who fished kings this past week.   Adam, Charlie, Tyler, Galen, Mike and Dave, your fish were photographed in the net but you weren't.   Maybe next time you'll wear chest waders and jump in the water for a photograph like Jason did.

The week ahead I was scheduled for king fishing but now our efforts will turn full time to red, pink, and silver salmon.    For all of my August clients who are reading this, yes, we are already catching pink salmon with a few rumors of silvers coming to the net as well.