George Adams wrote:

I'm guessing they were stockers,
and most likely, placed there specifically for the show, er competition. Am
I way off base, or are big fish like that common in that river?


I didn't see this episode, but I caught a Northeastern qualifying round from
Spruce Creek in PA a few weeks back. A number of the fish caught were 18"+ with
the largest at 26". Most of them had no fins, and were rather pale in color.
Turned me off completely, and I haven't watched an episode since.


Similar thing on the show that took place in Colorado and I had the same
reaction as you.

Willi