Reply by: fishinggem      Posted: 11/1/2009 1:42:47 PM     Points: 54    

I'm pretty sure it's gill lice and no I dont think you have anything to worry about as long as you're not eating the fish raw. If I go again this season, I'm going to find one of the Kokanees with the parasite and take it to the ranger station to see if they can make a positive ID.

no report for me though, but I think the run will still be good. 2 weeks ago, I actually caught 2 silver males and 3 silver females. The males didn't even have a hook jaw. Very different from the previous weekend.

I would have gone sooner except for the 10 kokanee possession limit, probably next weekend I'll get out there.

 Reply by: kevtater      Posted: 11/1/2009 2:09:57 PM     Points: 162    

It's most likely gill lice. Too bad, as that's what decimated the kokanee at Elevenmile. Not harmful to humans as long as you cook your fish well. I've actually caught quite a few trout out of Elevenmile with gill lice, I asked first and no problems eating them so I'd say no worries.

 Reply by: bluecreek      Posted: 11/1/2009 7:35:12 PM     Points: 107    

What are you worried about? Do you eat the gills? Sorry, but a lot of people are freaking out about gill lice. It seems to be common in kokanee, some more than others, some lakes have none. The meat is fine.

 Reply by: SpinningReel38      Posted: 11/1/2009 7:48:23 PM     Points: 36    

From what i understand about gill lice, the meat should be just fine and make sure it is cooked all the way.

 Reply by: gunguy      Posted: 11/1/2009 7:53:46 PM     Points: 42    

thanks to all of you i figured it might not be a problem since i cut the head off but i have two little ones to worry about and this is my first time doing this so i thought id ask hope to see some of you there it would be nice to be with someone experinced

 Reply by: kevtater      Posted: 11/1/2009 8:35:06 PM     Points: 162    

I understand gunguy, I wondered if the parasite was carried in the blood and only manifested itself in the gills or something more complicated, that type of more complex thinking is why people worry. With little ones I don't blame you for asking. I don't ever fish Cheesman but good luck to you! And welcome to the site if nobody has officially welcomed you!

 Reply by: urbanminer      Posted: 11/1/2009 10:15:21 PM     Points: 91    

I was hopin to get in one more limit since I've already eaten my last, before they ever got to the smoker... Was thinking Tue or Wed, depending if I can borrow a car. (STILL waiting on that dam insurance company!) The last batch I had 2 weeks ago were all fairly red, but not finished, and I have heard of several other folks still getting silver fish..
Gill lice are ugly, but not contagious! Lol!
Anyone been to any of the giveaways?

 Reply by: urbanminer      Posted: 11/2/2009 10:14:04 PM     Points: 91    

Makin the run to Cheeseman tomorrow morning, Looks like it ought to be a little warmer than today. Love bein off midweek, knowin I'm gonna be mostly alone up there, but I'll have on a yellow hat if anyone makes it up...