There seems to be a belief going around that trout die if they touch the ground. Is there any truth to this? What actually happens when a trout touches the ground? If you are interested in practicing catch and release, then there are some important things to know to make sure that trout swims off to live another day.
First off I want to answer the initial question and make things clear…
Trout will not die from simply touching the ground. However, you should avoid letting the trout touch the ground because they can injure themselves. If a trout touches the ground it’s gills can collect dirt and debris which could lead to suffocation and death.
Understanding the dangers of letting a trout touch the ground will help you to become a better catch and release angler, so that our fishing traditions can continue strong. So now I want to go more into why we should handle trout with care, and keep them off the ground.
Why You Shouldn’t Let Trout Flop on The Ground
Although touching the ground doesn’t necessarily mean the trout will die, it does expose it to a lot of dangers.
If you have ever caught trout you know that they do not like to sit still. Whether in a net or in your hand they wiggle and squirm to get away. And if you just pull them onto the bank or drop them on the ground they will continue to flop around hoping to end up back in the water.
Trout will not die after catch and release so long as you handle them with care. Don’t let them flop around on the ground, and try to keep them in the water as much as possible.
As they flop, they are impacting the ground with forces that they just don’t experience in the underwater world. Their bodies aren’t built to handle those impacts well. The trout’s eyes are especially vulnerable as they don’t have eyelids. Their eyes will get covered in dirt and could be damaged by sharp rocks.
I think it goes without saying that trout need their eyes to survive.
Touching The Ground Will Remove The Trout’s Protective Slime
Another potential danger with trout touching the ground is the fact that their protective slime will get wiped off by dirt, rocks, and whatever else they touch.
Trout need this slime to protect them against parasites, diseases and fungus. Of course the trout will produce more slime fairly quickly but why expose the trout to this danger if we can avoid it.
This is also the reason why you will hear people ranting about making sure you only touch fish with wet hands. I’ll say it too, be sure you never touch a fish with dry hands if you are planning to release it. Not only will it benefit the fish, but your hands won’t smell so fishy at the end of the day.
The fish will not die if you touch them so long as you practice proper catch and release. Use wet hands, don’t let the fish touch the ground, and get it back in the water as soon as possible.
Touching The Ground Exposes The Trout’s Gills to Permanent Damage
Letting a trout lay or flop on the ground means it’s just a matter of time before the gills dry up and the fish can no longer breath.
Contrary to popular belief, fish can breathe out of water for a short amount of time, that is… until their gills begin to dry.
If you look closely at the gills you will see that they are complex shapes with tiny finger-like appendages. This increases the amount of surface area that can absorb oxygen.
While under water, the gills are fully supported and can work to their maximum efficiency, but when a fish is taken out of the water, the gills collapse and the amount of oxygen they can absorb decreases.
As the gills dry they can no longer absorb oxygen, they stick together in their collapsed state and the fish dies.
A trout flopping on the ground speeds up the evaporation of water from the gills. This also allows dirt and debris to get stuck in the gills and prevent oxygen from reaching the bloodstream.
Gill damage and suffocation are the main killers of caught and released trout. When you release the trout back into the water and it swims for a few feet then floats to the surface, it is probably because the gills have been damaged and the fish can no longer get enough oxygen to the bloodstream. So although the trout is back in the water, it is still suffocating.
Honestly, trout can die quite easily when taken out of the water. They are particularly fragile fish. Please keep their gills wet. And if you are going to take them out of the water for a picture, try to do so quickly.
How To Keep Trout Off The Ground
Here are a few tips to keep the trout in the water and off the ground as much as possible while you get the hook out and take a couple pictures.
Use a Net
One of the best ways to keep a trout under control while you try to unhook it is to use a net. They will still try to flop around, but you can reach in and get the hook out without having to squeeze the trout in a death grip, or chasing it as it flops all over the ground.
I recommend using a rubber net. They are a little more expensive, but they are so much better for the trout. You can find them in the fly fishing section. Cabela’s, Sportsman’s Warehouse and even Walmart all have fairly cheap versions that work great.
Use Barbless Hooks
Barbless hooks will make it much quicker and easier to get the hook out and the fish back in the water as soon as possible. The downside is that you may lose a few more fish as they shake the hook out before getting to the net. Having the proper trout rod will help. Here is a post I wrote about choosing a good trout setup.
Get In The Water
If it is safe and conditions permit, wade into the water to net and release your fish. Keep the trout off land all together. If the trout does flop out of your hands during the picture, at least it will land safely in the water rather than on hard ground.
If you want to stay dry get some waders or hip boots depending on how deep the water is off the bank. You may even be fine with just a pair of rain boots. And of course if you don’t mind getting wet just walk right in. Just be careful about slippery rocks.
Conclusion
Although touching the ground isn’t enough to kill a trout, it does expose it to a lot of danger. The main concern is damage to the gills. Try your best to keep the trout in the water as much as possible. And if you want to pull the trout out for some pictures, try to do so over the water so if it squirms out of your hands it will land safely in the water.
