An electrical method of collecting fish has been developed which appears to be successful in streams up to 20 feet in width, and depths not greater than can be waded. Fish stunned, and then collected with a scap net, recover when placed in fresh water, so that almost none die as a result of the shock. The method has been tested in hard and soft water and under a variety of stream conditions. Fish may be removed from areas where brush, boulders and other obstructions prohibit seining. Because the fish turn with the light-colored ventral side up when stunned they become more visible than when only the dorsal surface is exposed to the view. The method is effective for fish large enough to be seen easily when stunned, that is, fish 3 inches or more in length.