Not completely true Carcassman. I was by definition a die hard fisherman for almost forty years owning 3 drift boats and 3 sleds over the years. I fished eleven months each year with over half of that time having pretty damn good fishing. I've hooked and landed lots of fish over the years with at least 3 Steelhead over 20 and largest at 28.5 pounds on the Quinault. One of my best days was hooking 18 summer runs on the South Fork Nooksack, all catch and release. Now all of that is gone and likely never to return in my life or anybody elses. I've got tons of fishing gear but have not wetting a line nor bought a fishing license in over five years. Other friends have put their rods away too and what has happened during that time? Fishing has gotten worse and now in my neck of the woods the tribe has enough clout they even close the Skagit down for rec's while they net it at certain times of the year. How did that ever happen?

I do not see any "bright" future for rec fisherman or the fish. I have come to the very sad conclusion that the fishing I once loved and enjoyed is done. I have replace my love of fishing with hiking but I sure miss stomping around on the rivers this time of year.