Here's how I see it, put incredibly simply:
1. Wild steelhead should be released according to an ethic or value which I have and share with many. This doesn't fly when you get down and dirty, I realize that.
2. However, no river in WA supports the wild runs it once did and the fishing opportunities they once provided. While some may be "viable" they are being choked off as we speak by overharvest, according to the science I choose to believe. Should that science be incorrect, a big if in my book, I am of the opinion that a resource should be managed conservatively anyway. With that in mind, why on earth should we risk a recreational resource for everyone in the name of those fishermen who are after the meat? That's what the brats are for.
3. As we all know, tribal harvest is a great threat to wild runs. But I don't believe the state or any of the sportsmen it represents can condemn the tribes when we kill fish as well. It's hypocritical. Therefore, I don't believe we've played our best cards in negotiating with the tribes until we practice statewide C&R. Symbolically, this is an important issue.
That's my 2 cents. I could go on and on, though. Thanks for broaching the issue carefully, we need more of that attitude. I'm guilty myself at times. But I hope this all makes sense and is persuasive toward practicing C&R of natives.