Dolly Varden

[JakeLand]

Well 15 years or so ago we would just nail them and slowly over probably 10 years it wasn't so good but I think they're making a strong comeback and a lot has to do with releasing them I haven't kept one in probably all of 15 years they are a cool fish and very pretty
 I encourage people to release them but it's everyones own choice

[boneaddict]

I think its mostly the law now to do so.  At least most of the waters I fish. 

[sumbeech66]

Great post.

I think I have opened it up 5 times to see the pictures. Way to go. Not a fishery that is talked about much...(that I know of anyway)

[krout81]

Caught one in the Puyallup while fishing for silvers 3 years ago.  Thought it was a silver until I pulled it out. 

[Alchase]

The "dollies" are thought to be sea-going bull trout per WDFW. 

Not anymore

"Early studies described these fish as a variety of the Arctic char, while later work declared them to be a separate species. For a long time, the bull trout was considered just a localized version of the Dolly Varden. Now many fisheries scientists believe that Dolly Varden and bull trout are two distinct species that look amazingly similar.

Bull trout and Dolly Varden are difficult to distinguish from each other, even for specialists. Dolly Varden tend to have a more rounded body shape while bull trout have a larger, more flattened head and a more pronounced hook on the lower jaw. Some scientists believe that one of the distinguishing characteristics of bull trout is that they do not migrate to saltwater. However, Washington biologists have recently found bull trout in Puget Sound.
Bull trout and Dolly Varden can be distinguished from eastern brook trout by the absence of vermiculations ("worm tracks") on their back. In addition, the eastern brook trout's red spots are surrounded by blue halos. To keep things interesting, though, bull trout and brook trout have been known to spawn together. Their hybrid offspring can have features of both parents. (Hybridization can be a serious problem in some areas, resulting in the dilution or destruction of the gene pool of the native bull trout.)"

[Bill W]

check with the Mill Creek office and you get the opinion that they are bulls.   I had an e-discussion with a retired bio out of that office. 

[JakeLand]

Some good to know facts I would say that these were bull trout if the description is correct

[kodiak 907]

Almost all bull trout up that way. We released a few on Sunday.

Big black bunny on the fly rod and copper/black spoons on the spinning rod.

Good time fishing for these guys.

[JakeLand]

  that 1st one is a brute you get a weight and length ? 

[Shooting Stix]

This is a Dolly Varden I caught on the Kenai River Alaska several years ago

[JakeLand]

  they are fun

[kodiak 907]

that 1st one is a brute you get a weight and length ?

Almost 27" so I guess 7-8 pounds maybe. Was pretty fat.

[JakeLand]

Ya full round good looking fish

[DaveMonti]

Any wild fish like those are true trophies in my book.  I'm looking forward to getting up there!

[JakeLand]

Any wild fish like those are true trophies in my book.  I'm looking forward to getting up there!

 That's very true that's why we do what we do