Well Guys I'm back with more information.
First, I agree the hooking mortality could be quite a bit below my originally stated 15%. Sure scientific studies, where all precautions are taken to protect, and fully revive the hooked fish, and held for at least 3 days to insure their survival, have taken place in B. C. as well as other places. When proper handling, and professional care are given, the mortality goes down. Does this happen in the recreation world? You decide..
I have presented a proposal to the region six fish hatchery managers. It is as follows.
Humptulips, Stevens Creek, hatcheries productions are at present...
COHO normal timed, 1,350,000 smolt plants.
lates, 200,000 smolt plants, with every third year being an off year, 0 plants.
CHINOOK, when returns allow, up to 500,000 fed fry plants. Hardly ever reached.
WINTER STEELHEAD, current due to budget cuts in 99, plants of 75,000 smolts.
SUMMER STEELHEAD, 000 due to budget cuts in 1999.....
PROPOSAL, reduce normal time coho to 1,000,000 smolt plants, maintain current late plants at 200,000, maintain chinook at 500,000, when adult returns allow, reinstate winter steelhead to 125,000 smolt plants, reintroduce summer steelhead to 30,000 smolt plants.
The facility has the space for these numbers, with space left over. These numbers would still allow the hatchery to operate within their budget, with some left over. I urge those of you who feel this is a just solution, to contact WDFW fish management, region six, and in Olympia, and urge them to follow up on the proposal. I think this a fix for recreational steelhead fishing on thr Humptulips system. The Quinaults may scream at the Coho reduction, but so what. These are residents of the state's public funds, and the residents should have a say in how they want it spent......
I have been releasing wild fish since befor it was politically correct to do so.
Good fishing...........river roper.........