Cowlitz Fishermen,

I think my original post is a little unclear. The example I was using was Hells Canyon Specifically. You are right in that the license he has is specific for that area. My point was because that is a dangerous river, I thought it was good that he had to show hours before getting that specific license. There was also a lot of BS paperwork involved that probably did nothing for him. He also has a license for the Columbia, which he got after already having the Hells Canyon one. That involved much more paperwork, and testing on Navigation rules etc, due to the fact that it has commercial traffic. B-Run is correct in that there is a limited number of permits for that area. My friend has a Hells Canyon Snake permit, and a lower salmon permit. He can however with that permit hire other guides who have the correct license to work under his permit. I was not trying to argue with you CowlitzFishermen, just pointing out that the requirement of hours before his license on that specific area was in my opinion a good thing. Also, his licensing is through Idaho and Oregon not Washington.
Tight Lines
Tom