RT., I think you're probably right on about the politics of the Cow. That coupled with low flows has caused a dismal year for steelhead this year.
From what I've learned, there are no native steelhead in the river, only hatchery fish.
I've only been at this for a short time, but I've managed to get in front of 6 fish. Four of them were long line released by my partner, "Thumbs". I released my biggest fish ever, about 18 lbs, because I thought it might be a native. A real beaut.. At the time I was'nt really fishing for meat, so I didnt mind releasing it.
I cant speak about the springer situation, but it seems with all the fish returning to the Columbia, the survival factors have been in place for the fish. So it appears you may be right about no stocks beeing planted in the river.
Perhaps the group known as "Friends of the Cowlitz" can offer better enlightenment on the topic.
I had been under the impression that in order to dam the river as it is, Tacoma Power was to maintain and operate the hatchery program there. It appears they have not. I have been told that one year, (I dont know how long ago,) they(either the State or TPL) allowed a season's worth of fry to become diseased, and they were destroyed.
Perhaps that would have been this season's salmon.???