"Pisco Sicko's Remedial Course on Recognizing Salmon and Steelhead Quality"

If you were referred here by the "Fish or Fertilizer" poll, there's a strong chance that you are a newbie to NW salmon and steelhead fishing, and need to learn our standards for fish quality. Protect yourself from the risk of severe scorn and ridicule by learning the following lingo and standard categorizations.

First, you should know that I have resided, and fished, in the NW for over 35 years. Further, I am a professional fly fishing guide, targeting trout and steelhead (in season) on the Methow River. As an experienced fisherman and a professional I would never want myself, a friend, or a paying customer to be photographed with something that looks like fertilizer. A prime fish will look good to eat.

Salmon and Steelhead are categorized by experienced NW anglers on a scale from "Bright" (highest quality) to "Boot" (lowest quality). Some anglers recognize intermediate categories, such as "Blush", "Rosy" or "Double Striper".,

Bright fish are silvery and reflect a great deal of light (if the sun is out ). The backs may appear to have blue or green or purple highlights and the bellies will be white. They are often caught in or near the ocean, and have not yet begun to show their spawning colors. BTW, fish that spawn lower in large river systems tend to turn dark earlier than fish that spawn higher in the systems. "Tule " chinook, for example, which spawn in the lower Columbia River tributaries, sometimes start to turn dark before even entering the river. On the other hand, "Upriver Brights" and Mid- Columbia summer chinook, which spawn hundreds of miles upstream, will sometimes stay bright for months, and will not darken until they are closer to spawning.

Here is an example of a bright spring chinook, courtesy of Spot. Notice how silvery it is. If you want to compliment someone that has posted a picture of a fish like this, you might say something like, "Wow Spot! I had to put on my sunglasses when I saw that fishy!"


Also courtesy of Spot, are these photos of a winter run steelhead that appears to be a little more mature, and has a hint of color. It has likely been in the river for several weeks, but is probably not near spawning. From certain angles the back has started to appear black, but as yet there is no hint of red on the sides or cheeks.



The following pictures are of a summer run steelhead that has been in the river at least several months (and has crossed nine dams and traveled more than 500 miles upstream), and is a month or two from spawning. It has rosy cheeks and a red stripe and would be considered a "Double Striper". This is about as mature a fish that a self-respecting NW angler would be seen with. Any darker and it would be in the dreaded "Boot" category.



The last photo is of a true "Boot". I apologize for the poor quality of the photo, but I had to find it on another site, as I don't have photos of fish of this "quality". Apparently, the angler was proud of the fish, but I won't potentially embarrass him by naming him, but only credit the photo to the WashingtonLakes site. This is about as dark as a fish will get and if it isn't spawning yet, it soon will be. A lot of people would not even consider it sporting to fish for a fish like this. Comments about a fish like this can run from "Yum, I can eat it with a straw!", to a sarcastic, "Don't worry, I'm sure it will smoke up fine!" At least it isn't fuzzy.


I hope this has been informative for everyone. That's all from Professor Pisco, for tonight. 

Even though Zee and bsteves were just pulling our legs, this is a well written and informative piece.

Even though Zee and bsteves were just pulling our legs, this is a well written and informative piece.

Gosh, do you think having your fish held up as "shiny examples" might have swayed your opinion?

Thanks for the lesson!