So, genetically speaking, why do Tucannon steelhead look so damned different? The hatchery steelhead seem to be so long compared to their width and girth.

Now, I have yet to catch a wild steelhead out of the Tuc and I know they are there, do they have the same physical appearance and does any one have any photos of a wild Tucannon Steelhead.

Anyone have any input?

scott

I dont have any photos, but you will know the difference as soon as you hook one. They are more girthy than the hatchery fish, and also seem to be much better fighters. The reason I dont have a picture is technically you are not suppose to remove a wild fish from the water at all. Not even to remove the hook. So when I am by myself it is are to take a picture of a fish partially submerged! By the way there are a lot of wild fish in the tucannon especially in late winter.

I can definately agree with Dev88t on that one. I hooked into a native last year, I know it was a native because it had a fire blood stripe down the side. When I set the hook on it, it took off like a banshee down river then turned around and ran straight at me up river, took a small hop over the branches reaching over the water and broke me off. This all lasted about 35 seconds. They are incredibly strong. Man just talking about it is getting me all worked up for tomorrow.

RAE