Some Lake Superior anglers have been struggling to distinguish between coho salmon and steelhead rainbow trout, two similar-looking fish commonly caught in the area. However, Minnesota Sea Grant has come up with a solution to this problem by offering new identification decals for anglers.
Helpful Decals: A free decal provided by Minnesota Sea Grant illustrates the visual disparities between coho salmon and steelhead rainbow trout, making it easier for anglers to differentiate the two species. The decals are particularly useful since both fish can be caught in the same locations with the same fishing gear.
Importance of Identification: It is crucial for anglers to correctly identify these fish, as regulations regarding the catch differ between coho salmon and steelhead rainbow trout. While anglers can keep up to five salmon per day in Lake Superior waters in Minnesota and Wisconsin, there are restrictions on the number of steelhead that can be retained.
Educational Initiative: The decals were developed in collaboration with fishing organizations and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to provide a practical tool for anglers. The detailed fish images on the decals were created by renowned fish illustrator Joseph Tomelleri.
Increasing Awareness: Misidentification of trout and salmon has been a persistent issue among Lake Superior anglers, especially those with less experience in catching Great Lakes fish. The decals aim to increase awareness and prevent accidental harvesting of steelhead, which are protected under specific regulations.
Continued Conservation Efforts: The initiative aligns with efforts to conserve wild steelhead populations in Lake Superior, ensuring their sustainable reproduction and abundance. Providing digital access to the decals on the Minnesota Sea Grant website is expected to contribute to the ongoing rehabilitation of wild steelhead.
Expert Recommendations: Experienced anglers recommend using specific cues to differentiate between steelhead and coho salmon, such as examining the tail shape, mouth color, and fin structure. These methods can help anglers accurately identify the fish even when they are in the water.
Regulatory Framework: Fishing regulations in Minnesota and Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior outline the permissible catch limits and size restrictions for various fish species, including steelhead, trout, salmon, and walleye. Anglers are advised to familiarize themselves with the regulations before fishing in these waters.
In conclusion, the introduction of identification decals by Minnesota Sea Grant is a valuable resource for Lake Superior anglers to accurately distinguish between coho salmon and steelhead trout, contributing to conservation efforts and responsible fishing practices in the region.