It was reported in the Wiakicum County Eagle, the local Newspaper in Cathlamet, Wa, that WDFW was caught red handed catching Native Columbia River Springs in the Elocamann River with a Weir Net and killing them and not releasing them.

As a result the National Marine Fisheries and the County Prosecuter are investigating the Violation.

It was reported that about 70 Fish had been caught in the Weir and about 40 or 50 fish caught had and intact adorsal fin. WDFW Claimmed that there is not a Native Run in the Elocaman River even though the Fish meet the criteria stated by WDFW in the State's Fishing Regulations for Native or Wild Stocks under the Endangered Species Protection Act.

Evidently the WDFW feels that they can Violate the same laws which Govern it's Citizens and operate on a double standard.

This happens on almost every stream with a hatchery that propogates chinook, every year. To be in compliance with the ESA they must not kill and spawn unclipped chinook...but they do.

The obvious answer to the assertion that there is no native run left is to clip the damn fish. Then there's no question about what they're spawning and what they're letting spawn in the river.

Fish on...

Todd