Correctly identifying young salmonids improves the accuracy of resource management information, leading to a fuller knowledge of the distribution and status of fish stocks. Until now, identifying coastal salmonids during their fry to smolt life stages in freshwater and saltwater estuaries of the Pacific Northwest has been difficult due to the lack of comprehensive, practical information. This guide was written and compiled by top fisheries biologists from government and industry who wanted to make available a simple, easy-to-use system for identifying 10 of the most common species of juvenile salmon, trout and char in the field.

The guide uses high-quality photos, colour illustrations and detailed drawings to show distinguishing physical features for each species. An easy-to-follow chart facilitates identification of the three major groupings and individual species. Habitat use information and maps help to determine where and when various species may be found for sampling.