Well I hooked a couple landlocked salmon in a local pond, and thought the coloration and condition pretty interesting! Seems these little guys are ready to spawn! They were releasing milt, and have the same copper hues of a spawning salmon. We have about 36" of ice remaining, soooo they may be a little confused eh?? These salmon can grow to around 22" and die off in about 3-4 years. The fish are "extras" that the hatchery dumps into the local lakes to help curb the bordom, and they serve as a food bank for the ever present pike population!
Most fish caught are gashed, marked, and missing fins from the "ice-cudas." They are however a blast on noodlerods and 2lb. test.
-Barleydog