Big Wood River Breakdown: Catch & Release Techniques

Catch & Release Isn’t Always Enough—Especially in the Heat.When summer temps rise, so does the stress on fish. This month’s Big Wood River Breakdown is all about giving them the best shot at survival after the fight.

Restoration Specialist Miles breaks it down like this:

• Bring a net – Fish can stay submerged while you unhook and reset.

• Wet your hands – Keeps their protective slime layer intact.

• Treat it like wildlife – Because it is. Quick, gentle.

Yeah, you can take a photo—but don’t overdo it. If the water’s hot and the fish is tired, skip the pic and just let it go clean.

A good release isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. Got a river question? Send it our way. We’ll break it down next month.

Video: Cooper Morton