When I first got involved in salmon management (80)- you can choose the century- the WDF mindset was that salmon were caught in the marine waters and rivers were for spawning. Some river fisheries were supported, but this mostly Springers which did offer a biting-fish fishery.

I recall the difficulty in getting river fisheries for pinks, 81 was supposed to be a really big year, as there would be plenty of saltwater opportunity. This was also the mindset of the rec advisors back then.

Although all those managers are gone, that mindset still prevails. Plus, marine fisheries (probably) generate more economic benefit. And, those river fishers are just folks who cause problems.

Moving on to the Skagit, the fishery is to be no opened because of lack of enforcement? Does that mean that a closure on anything, but especially an ESA species, needs no enforcement?