Fishawk River Company

Southern Oregon Coastal rivers well are known for their annual runs of Salmon & Steelhead. Many rivers have regulations that require the release of wild fish. It is exciting to see a big fish swim off upriver to spawn. When releasing a fish take care to keep it in the water as much as possible to avoid any unnecessary handling. Wet your hands first, then gently hold the fish by the tail and point the nose up- river allowing the gills to take in water (oxygen) until it recovers. A flick of the tail is enough to let you know to let go and watch the fish swim off on its own power.

Wild fish travel further upstream and are bigger than hatchery fish. Wild fish are important to the gene pool and help ensure the continued survival of the species. Hatchery fish are usually marked by clipped fins and are smaller in size.

Every year more anglers practice catch and release. After landing the fish the guide, friend, or bystander can snap a quick picture of these beautiful fish before their return.
Steelhead return to sea after spawning and can return upriver 2-3 times in their life cycle.