I see the release of wild steelhead in their native river as a good thing no matter the health of the run. As long as we maintain rivers IE: the Cow. where you can bonk away at the brats.

Salmon on the other hand as in the saltwater fisheries is abit tuffer. you have no idea where the fish originated from. To bonk or not to bonk that is the question.

Depending on the mortality rate of relesed wild fish you may be able to support the argument for bonking the first (2) fish you catch regardless of the condition of the adipose.

I personally bonk what I can when legal to do so. I have released many fish with questionable outcome. Pretty sad to see that chromer go belly up.