Consequences of Catch-and-Release Angling on the Physiology, Behaviour, and Survival of Wild Steelhead (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) in the Bulkley River, British Columbia

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the sub-lethal impacts and survival of wild steelhead following C&R angling. Steelhead were assessed for the presence of the righting reflex (an effective and non-invasive proxy for stress and mortality following fisheries interactions) and for physiological indicators, specifically glucose, lactate, and pH. A separate group of steelhead was monitored for immediate post-release movement, long-term migration rate, and mortality.