The Steelhead Trout Club of Washington has been active in lobbying WDFW for steelhead fishing. They have tried to balance wild fish, where appropriate, and hatchery fish also where appropriate. They also lobby for a return to the use of boats. Unfortunately, membership continues to decline.

From what I have seen, steelhead in particular but probably all anadromous salmonids, suffer from divided support. Wild fish advocates seem to not support any hatchery fish anywhere while supporters of harvest want more stocking for harvest.

When I was in management it was my belief that one was not a "mature" manager unless they could support an appropriate fishery that they were not interested in participating in. Same goes for sport fishing; we have to collectively advocate for appropriate fisheries, even if we don't fish that way.