Fin clipping Rainbows
Anglers are asked to help with trout fin clip project.
Anglers, Fish and Game needs your help! Fish and Game is interested in knowing how many rainbow trout caught in the Snake River above American Falls Reservoir are from a hatchery or from wild origin. You can help by participating in a fin clipping effort with the rainbow trout you catch, even if you release the fish.
Here’s how.
Rainbows can be identified by heavy spots on the head and white fin tips. If you catch a rainbow trout, clip a small portion (about the size of a hole punch) from one of its fins. A small fin clip as described will not affect the trout you release.
Place the fin clip in an envelope (found at the drop box at each kiosk). One fin clip from each rainbow should be placed in a separate envelope. If you continue fishing, just be sure to keep the envelope(s) dry until you are ready to drop it in the drop box.
These fin clips provide chromosomal information which can be used to determine a fish’s origin (hatchery or wild). This information helps Fish and Game understand if current fish management strategies are appropriate on this stretch of the Snake River.
