Gooose:
Sinker may have hit on the real motive (locals wanting it all to themselves), but it is a fact that landowners who were supposedly okay in the past with fishermen are now complaining to JCCD.

I've worked on many conservation projects with that agency, and Al Latham emailed me with this info, to see if I might write about it in the Pt Townsend-Jeffco Leader (I'm their outdoor writer). I may do that, but this thread seemed a good place to mention it too.

I know the county doesn't regulate fishing, but a conservation agency could have more sway than we do.

I'll forward JCCD's email to you for your evaluation. If you call Al, he might give you some landowner names, and would also consider your thoughts on the matter. Neither of us is trying to shut down the river! (Personally I now prefer the beach fishing. Haven't seen a snagger there yet!)

Peace