The fish we caught yesterday started a long discussion about the differences between winter fish and summer fish. Both fish were long and lanky,

(sorry left camera at home no pics)

Hen: red stripe down side, small tight eggs but pretty big skeins, good shape.

Buck: red stripe down side, red gills, red on belly (very pretty fish) released.

Is it a little late for summer run to be in the river with tight eggs? Could they possibly be brought back down from the hatchery and they were on their way back up again?

What are some of your thoughts?

Doubletake

Maybe summers, but could very well be winter fish as well. Even low in the system, later returning fish will show color, just like our fall kings.

I know spawned out fish are already being caught here ... and that's about normal timing to start seeing downriver brats.

Sounds more like summers than winters. Did the male have a greenish/yellowish back? If so certainly a summer.

In December the most sexually advance fish (as Bob noted including spawn outs) will winter fish not summer fish. The onset of spawning of hatchery winters is typcially nealry a month in front of the summers.

Tight lines
Smalma

Also look inside their mouth. summers usually have little parasites on the roof the mouth. The are called copapods. Freshwater and will be there if the fish has been in the fresh for at least 2 to 3 months.

My guess it was a late summer. long and lanky. red stripe.

Thanks for the input gentlemen. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all.

Smalma, didn't notice the color of the back on the buck. Will also be looking in the mouth, just hoping the winter fish will start coming in.

Take care

Doubletake