The run forecast for the Snohomish was originally 375,000+, the Skagit was 750,000+, Stilly 275,000+. Just before these systems opened WDFW upgraded the run sizes and there were(still are)tons of humps in the river waaaaaay before they opened. That is why the limits were bumped to four the day before it opened. If I had hit either of those fish I would have kept it as well. It aint everyday you have the opportunity to h*** not just a state record but a WORLD RECORD!!!!!!!!!
Kudos to the 9yr old for landing the thing. Its a ***** when a hump that big gets its sail turned into the wind.
As far as what the Snohomish looked like 75 years ago. Sure the river would probably get 2+million fish. But that was long before we destroyed the habitat, and WDFW decided to manage everything for commercial harvest. Enough on that subject.

Again kudos to the boy!

Tight lines,
Chumkiller