Originally Posted By: Rivrguy

Looking at the Info that is coming from the international salmon survey, It seems this winter has been particular hard on fish.
“Last night we caught 7 sockeye at 52N, 147W, following a catch of three sockeye in the morning at 53N, 147W. Many of these fish again had enlarged, green gall bladders indicating poor feeding conditions,”
“The chum salmon looked thin, and had empty stomachs and enlarged gall bladders, suggesting they were struggling to find enough food”



It didn't seem like there was much interest in the Year of the Salmon winter ecosystem survey when it was mentioned earlier. The info you mentioned is from the Bell M. Shimada, a NOAA vessel, and not optimal for salmon surveys. They are using a trawl and are probably not towing fast. A more interesting vessel to follow is the Raw Spirit from Canada, a large commercial fishing vessel. They are using a Japanese research driftnet and floating longline gear which they deploy at night.They recently started their survey and are making interesting catches. Below are quotes from there online posts which might be of particular interest to steelhead fishers.

From March 2 after 2 stations talking about steelhead;

" Only one steelhead has been captured by the trawl in the previous two surveys in 2019 and 2020 when one was caught by the Pacific Legacy in 2020. The gillnet, which is floating right on the surface, is possibly more effective at capturing this surface-oriented species. Another first for the three years of the expedition is the catch six Oncorhynchus species in one set! Sockeye, coho, chum, pink, chinook and steelhead!!! "

"Total catch to date: 30 sockeye, 12 chum, 6 steelhead, 4 coho, 2 pink, 1 chinook plus black rockfish (several), squid and a dogfish. "