Steelheaders Can't Keep Fall Chinook or Coho

Steelhead anglers fishing Idaho waters may find another big fish at the end of their lines; a fall Chinook. With steelhead numbers picking up, many big-fish chasers are hitting the water. While steelhead anglers are most likely to catch what they are after, some are tangling with fall Chinook salmon. It may be hard to differentiate between the two while the fight is on, but several differences are apparent once the fish is close to the boat or bank. Steelhead look almost identical to their freshwater cousin, the rainbow trout. They generally have a pink, purple, or red stripe down each side as well as on their gill covers. Chinook salmon generally have no stripe, although they may take on some red coloration as they prepare to spawn. The most distinct difference between steelhead and Chinook is in the mouth. Chinook salmon have black mouths with a black gum-line while the inside of a steelhead's mouth is white. Snake River fall Chinook salmon (including those returning to all Idaho waters, whether of hatchery or natural origin) are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The IDFG Commission has not opened any season for ocean-run fall Chinook. Anglers fishing the Lower Snake River and the Clearwater River also have a chance of catching a coho salmon. While distinguishing between coho and steelhead is more difficult, anglers should take the time to make sure they're not keeping a coho. Coho salmon usually have light gums, but usually have black inside the mouth, especially the tongue. Another distinguishing mark is the tail fin. On steelhead, black spots are distributed throughout the tail fin; on coho salmon, spots appear only on the upper lobe of the fin, if at all. Fisheries technician Larry Barrett says if there is any doubt, anglers should remember this simple phrase: "If the mouth has black, put it back." Color illustrations of these fish can be found on page 15 of the Idaho 2004-2005 Fishing Seasons and Rules booklet available at all license vendors, Fish and Game offices and on the Fish and Game website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. Anglers catching fall Chinook or coho salmon are required to immediately release them unharmed. Fisheries biologists encourage anglers to hold any fish they plan to release in the water at all times.