Is this salmon legal?

[fishing collector]

This pic and article was in the Aug 9th Sunday Seattle times. It was caught in Elliott Bay. Is it a legal fish? The Adipose fin is clearly visible. If it is I threw back a 40lb+ and a 30lb+ King the other day!.......... I don't know who this person is. Steve

10 aug 09 Update....The fish was legal! The area I was fishing was open to either Hatchery or Wild! It pays to read the rules carefully! :-( Steve

[big fish lite line]

that does look like a present adipose fin. the only other explanation would be something black behind the fish...
congrats on the fish!

[wintersteelhead]

For the " inner Elliot Bay " fishery there is NO fin restrictions. Wild or hatchery is legal.

[Bodofish]

Steve, I'd say you tossed back some nice ones! Sorry about that. They're all keepers.

[Dave]

That's heart breaking!!!

[Shad_Eating_Grin]

Doh !

Do you mean 40 pounder or 40 incher, when you say 40+ ???

Doh! regardless.

[fishing collector]

I was fishing across from Seattle in area 10.... Manchester area. I I think I thru back 2 big legal fish. One was at least 40+ lbs and the other was slightly smaller guessing 35lbs. Oh well.... Catch and Release...going a little to far! The guy that owned the boat said that they were not legal so who am I to question.....It was the first time I fished salt in that area in 4-5 years. Had a great time though. I will try it again in a few days... Final note: The pinks have arrived along the east side area 8....at least 200+ beach fisherman think so! The ones we saw were pretty small. Have fun and remember to pinch it or loose it.

[Maury]

Steve, the area you describe that you were in was/is clipped only for Kings.
The area within Elliott bay is open for either.
You did the right thing letting them go. Good on ya!
Maury