Now, what exactly is a wild steelhead?Why dont you take the lead and tell us exactly what a wild steelhead is to you. Although you have touched on it in a later post please clarify EXACTLY what you mean as I think you are using the wrong terms to describe your own personal ideas.
Unfortunately, I do no think there are any genetically wild steelhead left in the lower 48.Where have you come across this information? Do you have relevant, peer reveiwed, scientific studies to back you up on this? Please provide links to your information.
Considering the fish in question was caught in a river hosting both hatchery and "wild" runs do you think it's really fair to call any fish (steelhead or salmon for that matter) returning to this watershed "wild"?Yes I do, why dont you?
If the fish in question were not "wild" would any of the members that were critical feel differently?If the fish was without a doubt a hatchery fish, bonk away. Fin condition isnt a fool proof indicator of whether a fish is wild or hatchery either. I have caught native fish that are guarenteed to be hatchery gene free that have messed up dorsal or worn fins. I have also caught hatchery fish that have shamed wild fish in every way shape and form and except for the missing adipose fin, there is ablsutely no way that you could tell the difference.
Codfather asked that the burden of providing valid evidence lies with me, what proof are you looking for?Any evidence that proves anything that your saying
Sturzman - I consider a wild fish to be your definiton of a native. I am not trying to split hairs on this point.Yes you are, or you are using terminology that is wrong and/or misleading.
It will be interesting to see how other board members define a "wild" fish?It doesnt matter how other members define wild fish. In terms of scientific literature the definition of wild fish and native fish is already agreed upon.
