Several people, including myself (and hopefully NSIA, Accoc. of NW Steelheaders, WAA?), are quickly organizing a large turnout protest over the unfair non-consideration toward sportfishermen for a fair chance at a quota of the huge abundance of Columbia R. springers that is so unexpectedly large that the Native American Tribes of the Col. have been allowed to net and sell springers all thru May- so the excess hatchery fish don't have to be sold to catfood companies. These are fish that WE PAID FOR- thru lic. fees, taxes, and increased electrical rates! We definitely should be allowed a quota mainstem fishery for these fish too! We plan on meeting in Cascade Locks (in Ore. across the Col. Bridge of the Gods from Hwy. 14) from 10:00 a.m. to Noon; primarily at the park boatramp parking lot toward the east end of town (with some representation also at the Char Burger resterant on the west end, where lots of the Indian salmon are being sold. TV & other news media will be alerted, so bring large protest signs & have a thought out statement in case you get on camera interviewed. Try not to be anti-Indian because we shouldn't oppose them getting a share of this abundance- only a protest for our fair shot. This will not only affect the current situation, but importantly also next year's even bigger Col. springer run allocations and the likely fall chinook closures anticipated for the Columbia! Wind/Drano fishers, you can spend an hour or two either after you fish the short morning bite or you can fish the less crowded afternoon bite this Sat. the 13th after you show up to support these causes (guys going up for the early bite there, please post a sign about the rally in Cascade Locks for those that pull out by 9:30 to 10:00. Other rivers are likely to be too colored for good fishing Sat. due to the rains this week. WE NEED BIG NUMBERS OF FISHERMEN for the cameras & the cause! Hope to see you there. - Steve Hanson
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