Keeping the fish properly supported and partially in the water keeps the fish calm while handling

Catch and release fishing improves native fish populations by allowing more fish to remain and reproduce in the ecosystem. This practice provides an opportunity for increasing numbers of anglers to enjoy fishing and to successfully catch fish. Releasing native fish caught while in a national park will help to ensure that enjoyment of this recreational opportunity will last for generations to come.

Catch and Release Fishing Landing the Fish

• Stay close. National Park Service fishing regulations require anglers to closely attend their rod or line. When you’re alert and nearby, you greatly reduce the opportunity for fish to swallow hooks deeply.
• Avoid playing fish to exhaustion. A tired fish takes longer to recover due to lactic acid buildup. Avoid playing the fish to exhaustion and land it as quickly as possible. Then, release the fish quickly.
• Use a landing net. Landing nets reduce handling time, stress, and the potential for injury, especially for large fish that are difficult to manage. Large frames with shallow nets made of rubber or small, soft, knotless mesh are best.

Handling Your Catch For Release

Be sure to handle fish carefully to avoid injuries.

• Avoid removal from water. Removing fish from water causes stress, suffocation, and possible internal injury.
• Use wet hands or gloves to handle fish. Wet hands or gloves will help reduce the loss of a fish’s protective mucus.
• Provide proper support. Avoid removing fish from the support of the surrounding water any more than necessary. Support the fish in a landing net, or cradle the fish gently with one hand beneath the belly near the water surface.
• Be gentle. Avoid squeezing tightly, which can damage internal organs and muscle tissue. Remember to never touch or hold a fish by the gills. Gills are particularly sensitive and can be easily damaged.

Photographing Your Catch

• Preplan the photograph – Keep your fish wet and calm until you are ready for the photograph. Crouch down near the water surface to avoid lifting the fish far from the water. Have the photographer pre-position and focus the camera before lifting your fish.
• Get a good grip – When all is ready, hold your fish firmly by the tail while placing the other hand under its belly (avoid touching the gill area).
• Wait for the fish to become accustomed to your touch – When the fish has calmed, lift it briefly out of the water and quickly capture the image. If multiple images are planned, calm the fish in the water before lifting again.

Releasing Your Fish

• Let the fish fully recover before releasing it. Hold the fish underwater, in an upright position or secured in the landing net. Make sure it’s ventilating before release—you should see the gills opening and closing. If the fish has difficulty regaining its strength, then face the fish into the current. The fresh oxygenated water can pass gently over the gills helping the fish “catch its breath.” Let it swim away on its own.

In fast moving water, consider moving the fish to calmer water where it can recover and swim away on its own. Fast-moving or turbulent water can sweep away or injure a weakened fish. This is particularly important for fish released from a boat in midstream.

• Releasing Fish Caught in Deep Water. When a fish is caught from deep water and brought to the surface, gases dissolved in the blood come out of solution and cause the swim bladder to expand. The damage and stress that results is called “barotrauma.” A fish can often survive this event if it’s treated and released properly. When releasing fish caught at depth, know the correct procedure.