While fishing the Skagit 2 weeks ago, I caught 2 large rainbows with what
appeared to be some form of parasitic growth around and beneath their pectoral
fins. I have never seen this type of parasite nor had I ever caught any
fish in the Skagit with any type of parasite before. I'm wondering if
other people have had similar experiences. I would also like to inform provincial
fisheries officials but I am unable to find an email address to write to.
The 2 fish were similar in that they fought somewhat anemically for their
size (roughly 16-18 inches), were rather thin (most fish I caught
this year were on the fat side). The parasites were white bumps, some
larger looking like worms, and the flesh of the fish was red surrounding
the infected area. Both were caught roughly 6 km's downstream from the
Sumallo Grove day use area. I love the Skagit River and I hope this is not
a serious matter.
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I have seen it before on a couple of occassions.
Back in 1973 I fished Ross lake for the first time and caught many nice
'bows. All the mended kelts had these lice like parasites on their pectorals.
I've seen it in years since while fishing the river. I don't think
it is anything to worry about.
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i have also seen these parasites,they were on summer run steelhead on vancouver
island.i had been told that they were a salt water parasite that was supposed
to die in fresh water however they had not died. they were not only on the
pectorals but they were also inside the mouth and on the undersides of other
fins.they didn't fight the way a healthy steelhead should either.
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