cutthroat,

I don't normally need a measurement tool either to determine a hatchery fish. I'm well versed in what a deformed hatchery dorsal looks like. The problem is I have caught a number cookie cutter tribal hatchery fish that had perfect dorsals that pushed the threshold of the measurement limit. Due to the location caught, I am 95% certain these are hatchery fish.

I'm not implying I want to push the the limit and potentially keep a wild fish under the disguise of a hatchery fish. I don't. I wouldn't have a problem at all with them shortening the measurement. It would solve the problem if all the fish were clipped but they aren't and, I suspect, won't be anytime soon. For whatever reason,this particular tribe generates smolts under rearing conditions that have little to no effect on the dorsal.

I only started this post because the winter season is at our doorstep and I don't like the idea of squirming with the possibility of a fine if mr. park ranger arrives to check the catch. I just want to know I am measuring correctly and if I have measured in error the last few years.