![freshwater fish identification freshwater fish identification](http://calypsobooks.com/Fishbooks%20by%20Area/images/Freshwater%20Fish%20Identification%20booklet.jpg)
Specific populations of Chinook, Sockeye and Coho salmon have been categorised by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) at varying levels of concern from Not at Risk to Endangered although no populations have yet been designated under the Species at Risk Act. While direct management of wild salmon saltwater and fresh water fisheries falls under the mandate of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), British Columbia has significant social and economic interests in, as well as key responsibilities for habitat management for all five species of Pacific Salmon. To retain any salmon caught in fresh water, your provincial Non-Tidal Angling Licence must be validated with a Non-Tidal Salmon Conservation Stamp. To fish for salmon in fresh water, a provincial Non-Tidal Angling Licence is required. The regulations for salmon fishing in fresh water are available from any DFO Office or through their website. The management of salmon fisheries in B.C., in both tidal and fresh waters, is the responsibility of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Typical range in weight for adults: 2.3 to 7kg Maximum: 8kg Typical range in length for adults: 60 to 75cm Maximum: 80cm Typical range in weight for adults: 1.5 to 5kg Maximum:6.8kg Typical range in length for adults: 36 to 46cm Maximum: 76cm Typical range in weight for adults: 3.2 to 5.0kg Maximum:16kg Typical range in length for adults: 56 to 66cm Maximum: 110cm Typical range in weight for adults: 4.4 to 10.0kg Maximum:19kg Typical range in length for adults: 60 to 70cm Maximum: 112cm Typical range in weight for adults: 4.5 to 22.7kg Maximum: 57kg Typical range in length for adults: 61 to 91 cm Maximum: 150cm Provincial Framework for Steelhead Management in BC At a provincial level a framework has been developed to guide steelhead management while enabling regional programs to evolve to address local conditions and concerns. While some yearly and regional variability in fish returns is a normal factor in managing a wild fish population, the persistently depressed state of numerous steelhead stocks warrants further examination.
![freshwater fish identification freshwater fish identification](https://linaashop.com/images/85035-p.jpg)
Limited augmentation of stock through hatchery programs has been undertaken to support recreational fishing opportunities. In recent decades, ocean survival of steelhead, particular those populations in the Fraser River watershed have declined significantly. Maintaining the ‘wild and sustainable’ brand for BC steelhead fisheries remains the highest priority for this species’ management and is fundamental to its continued value and appeal. The province continues to actively management population recovery efforts by closing Interior steelhead runs and associated spawning grounds to recreational fishing. Recognising risks to steelhead populations, the province has regulated catch and release only fisheries for steelheads since 1997. In 2018, citing dramatically reduced spawning returns, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) categorised Thompson River and Chilcotin River steelhead populations as Endangered. Unlike salmon, steelhead may spawn multiple times over a lifespan of approximately nine years. The rich marine environment gives rise to individuals that can weigh as much as 18 kg. Steelhead are considered a variant of freshwater rainbow trout yet, like salmon, spend a portion of their life cycle in the ocean. Typical range in weight for adults: 1.4-6.8kg Maximum: 21kg Typical range in length for adults: 50-85cm Maximum: 120cm