Ill tell ya what there are still some unbelievably big Native Steelies and Kings that make it too the upper reaches but over time it has defenately dwindled with the current guide, net and sportfishing practices. The limits are huge on the res and the guides on the upper for the most part are Trophy (KILL) fisherman. Its not there fault really cause the state lets it all go down! But your right Rich once the genes are mixed and or gone it will be another Cowlitz!

On a good note! The upper (in the park) will always be closed! This is were alot of the True Big nates spawn (Kings and Steelies) and not many Hatchery fish go past the lake. So if we dont wait too long we will still have pure genes in the river. They must still run the gauntlit, but the ones that are making it are the ones we want! But if we dont watch it those will be gone and all we'll have is another Cow! Too bad it will take the Federal Goverment to really do anything! Buy then it will be too late!

Bob D