Measuring Weight for Released Wild Steelhead

With the Wynoochee River dropping to a fishable level we've been able to get out and finally catch some nice fish.  This time of year we aim for our 2 hatchery fish limit, and in the process catch many wild steelhead.  We carefully make sure that the adipose fin is clipped prior to removing a fish in the net from the water.   

When there is a fin - we carefully get out of the boat and into the water for a quick picture and safe release.  

When catching a trophy native steelhead, such as this one, you want to know how big it is.  This particular fish measured 21.5 inches in girth.

So the question is, how do you calculate the weight of a fish by taking a measurement in inches?  We have 2 different methods to present here.  The easy one is the "length minus 20 rule."  This works best for steelhead between 25 and 35 inches in length.  You simply subtract 20 from the length to get the weight.  For example is your steelhead is 30 inches long, (30inches-20)=10lbs, by this method your fish would be 10lbs.

However, if your fish is over 25 inches or appears extra heavy in the middle, you should use the chart below.  Fortunately for us - we get to use this chart alot!!

*Also note that for large steelhead the girth is usually close to 1/2 the length.

Using this chart, the above pictured fish is approximately 26lbs.  (21.5inch girth*2)=43inch length

(credit flyanglersonline.com)

Hope this helps measure some big steelhead for you in the near future!

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