I can say I'm on all sides of this debate at one time or another. I'll first say Snagmagnet, it's not that ethical sledders themselves make it better in the upper rivers. It's just that these rivers are way too small with alot of blind corners to be heading full tilt up the channel. I own a sled, and know you can't just kick it at low power up a low, narrow, channel. No control and will be eating rocks through your impeller. I keep my sled in the bigger rivers (such as the Chehalis) and the mouths of smaller rivers (such as Wynoochee, Satsop, and the Hump). I can easily run up to upper holes on the Nooch (until you hit the spillway), but I leave that for the drifters/bankers (which I am on the upper end only). I've almost been nailed a few times on the Nooch after I hit the spillway. Narrow slots and a sled running full bore. Not a pretty picture, especially if you're in a cataraft.

This is an endless debate. I feel that eventually there will be a ban on upper rivers. May be similar to Oregon, no boats above 101 (which I'd assume they'd say hwy 12 on lower end of peninsula). It only takes a few bad apples to spoil the bunch. Only problem is there's way too many spoiled apples on the river anymore.

As for the wakes. I've had many times where I've been given the dirty look for being on plane running up the Chehalis. Yet, I was waved at for running slow, yet rocking the crap out of the other boats anchored up fishing. Makes no sense to me. Oh well. You can't please everyone all the time. I'd just hate to see a few more accidents like we've had on the Hump the last few years happen and have a COMPLETE shutdown of motorized boats on all tributary rivers. Just think, would you rather have at least the mouth/tidal waters then none at all? All it takes is a few more accidents and that's that.

Just my .02