Salmo, thanks for the info. I think the idea of WDFW opening the fishing season(s) without the permit being finalized or issued has been discussed in the past. Like you said , to force NMFS to challenge WDFW with legal action. But again, like you said, WDFW has no big boy pants. I remember the 5 year waiting period being mentioned also and wondering why so long. The tribes were getting their permits okayed quickly. The tribes had BIA.