This "forgone opportunity" argument has a big hole in it I think. It seems to me that actual catch numbers don't come out for a couple years, so how would the tribe know if sportsmen didn't harvest their half? The Quillyute graph has 1999 numbers, and this is 2001. Is this the MOST current data? Do the tribes get the "forgone opportunity" of fish from 2 years ago?....this doesn't seem to be something you can track.

This is a great discussion. It is obvious that we all want the same thing--large runs of naturally spawning native steelhead. Now, how do we get there? Who can we point the finger at? Well, take a good look in the mirror. Habitat degradation, hydroelectric power, over fishing, and genetic degradation in the form of hatchery zombies (but they do taste great!) are by-products of the lifestyle we all enjoy. Arguing over who gets what percent of the run won't get us anywhere. Afterall, I don't think the "wagon burners" were having problems with sustainable harvest on these guys before my ancestors got here. Why do we expect changes in harvest alone to bring these fish back? Are we that naive?

Now that being said, it seems to me that the "forgone opportunities" are a minor point. Ok, so why don't we all practice CnR and encourage the fishing public to do the same? Just because WDFW doesn't write it into law, doesn't mean we can't implement this ourselves. I would take this a step further and encourage all the guides out there to practice CnR on wild steelhead and all of us to not target wild fish in the Spring of 2002. In fact, maybe we shouldn't be dreaming of 20 pounder's on the end of our lines, unless they're hatchery fish!

Well thought out post Todd. Thanks! - RT

I fish there ALOT and have seen alot of changing over the years. Many of the guides out there do practice C & R strictly, others encourage it but dont require it. Many of the sporties including myself let all wild/native fish go also! Id say right now over half of all fish caught are released. It seems the regulars are alot more inclined to let fish go.
But this foregone opportunity still isnt too clear.

Bob D

Mines in! Thanks Todd and AuntyM.

Bob D

Right on! Thanks Aunty M and particularly Todd R for all his knowledge and efforts!

RT