Potter,
Hey Potter since you are the only Indian that I have talked to, I am gonna see if you can answer a few of my questions. First off while I was eating some Mickey D's I went to Morrison park with the lady and we watched the Chehalis Indians lay out their nets and pull them back up. I noticed a few things that caught my attention. Are they targeting late winter steelies or springers??? You wouldn't think that it would be worth there time to try to net the few springers that do come into this river system. I watched as they pulled 8 little 7-8 pound fish out of their nets and bonked them on their heads. Someone said that these are the Wynooche and Skookumchuck hatchery steelies, and that they are always this late. Any idea of what they might have been, it was too far away too see exactly what they were. I wasn't really paying much attention, but I heard a gun shot and when I looked up I didn't see anything unusual, but the guy next to me mentioned something about they had just shot at a seal, but had missed and hit Weyerhauser. I am not a fan of gillnetting but I know that complaining won't get me anywhere so I tend to hush hush about the whole thing. I understand that the tribes aren't doing anything that white guys aren't, hell I have seen alot of native fish killed on the Wynoochee this season, along with the Humptulips and many others. I guess alot of people figure that if the tribes can kill wild fish why can't they. But that is totally not true. I am not sure if you can help me out on any of this but I thought I would ask someone who might have a clue on what they are doing.

Thanks,
Andy

They are going after steelhead. Last weeks catch had several ad clipped steelhead. I was told they were probably skookumchuck hatchery fish. You could go over to the buying station at the mouth of the Wishkah and talk to LuLu, she might be able to give you more info. By the way I heard there was only one fisherman fishing. How many did you see?

[This message has been edited by potter (edited 03-19-2000).]

Potter,
thanks for the quick response, I hope you don't think I am indian bashing or anything like that, I was just curious. Umm when i pass over the bluff (twice a day) I see on average 3 or 4 boats fishing behind LakeSide. I beleive they are all sturgeon fishing or am I wrong? They aren't steely fishing are they? I have never heard of that kind of fishing being done there. But you would think that they would sometimes pick up a few stray steelies on the sandshrimp while fishing for sturgeon. I only seen one boat today, and it was a nice day.

Thanks,
Andy

p.s.
you think you could possibaly get my product into some guides hands up your way??? just wondering

I'm not sure I understand about the 3-4 boats behind Lakeside...do the have nets out or rods? Anyway, see if you can get your product into the Taholah store. Talk to JR there.

Potter,
Just curious...do you know how many sturgeon have been harvested this year on the Chehalis by the tribe??

I like Andy appreciate your responses, it is this kind of communication that allows for a better feel of "co management"

Thanks,

------------------
Jim Bain
Always have Fun while Fishing!!!

Do not know how the Chehalis tribe did, been slow for the Quinaults all winter on sturgeon

[This message has been edited by potter (edited 03-20-2000).]

[This message has been edited by potter (edited 03-20-2000).]

the reason the indians arent getting many sturgon is because they killed them the last few years with the nets.Now you know where the steelhead and salmon are going.

Steely Slammer,
you must be knew to this board. I am not an Indian nor do I know any of them except Potter and Letty. I will tell you one thing, I am not for gillnetting, but damnit you can at least be half way nice about it. I bet you $100 bucks that we as a sport fishing industry kill more wild steelies headed for the Nooch then the Indians do! Another thing. The indians haven't even touched the Steelies this year in the Chehalis more than maybe once a week if that! Everyone is taking a peice of the pie, and pretty soon like all things the pie will be gone, unless we take the first step in making the fisheries a better as a whole. I hate singleing out people or groups, as a kid we get singled out the most! Alot of people don't think I can run my own business or handle my own boat or anything like that, but folks I am doing it, and I am doing it all on my own! If you want to help the Steelhead survive try telling bubba next to you to let that wild fish go, instead of thinking if the indians can kill them why can't I.

Andy Matthews

Andy, i call them as i see them.And as for the indians nets being in only once a week
this year that could be but what about the last 20 or so years?