Catch and Release, Reason #511

"It was only a fish when he reached it, but ah, such a fish it was!"

-Frederick Buechner, Godric

I scooped this coho salmon fry out of a puddle on the Lowe River floodplain then released him into a side channel under some overhanging willows. Seemed safe there. The anadromous life is never easy, but I thought drying up with a rain puddle seemed particularly cruel.

That was three summers ago. I've seen this picture dozens of times since then, and I always wonder if he made it to the sea.

Maybe he survived his tour of the Pacific Rim. If so, he'll be back in August.

Maybe he'll show his appreciation by tagging one of my flies.

When he does, he will become the most satisfying meal of my life.

TMF's 100th post.