Double Haul -
Sorry I was posting a response to Ryan.

I'll try to respond to your questions. Please be aware that we are moving beyond sharing information and what follows are just my own opinions and views.

First and foremost I believe that folks need to honestly evaluate are own impacts steelhead -no more hiding our heads in the sand. That is why I have been such a b***head about the true role of WSR.

Secondly we need as many anglers as possible with a passion and zeal for the resource. It really doesn't matter whether they are bonkers or releasers. Everyone just needs to care and being willing to fight for the resource.

As for the 4 Hs-
HARVEST - By harvest I mean dead fish and don't really care how the fish dies. Harvest basically equates to impacts. I believe that continued fishing is important - without anglers we'll lose our potential political power base. We need to be able to demostrate to habitat managers that we are willing to put fish into habitats that they may protect or restore. That means holding impacts levels to less than that allowed at MSH management levels so new or improved habitats will quickly be taken advantage of. Bottom line manage for escapements above MSH but below carrying capacity (remember at capacity there is no fishing).

There is a component to harvest that is federally mandated which we need to recognize and then move on and not let that side track us.

HATCHERY - Again we need a honest assessment of what anglers want with a realistic evaluation of impacts (hatchery/wild interactions). Hatcheries best supply fish for harvest. We need to be careful that wild fish needs are placed first; continue to develop strategies to reduce hatchery/wild interactions). Marking of all hatchery production is a must. In the river systems that I'm familiar with there is virtually no use for wild or native brood stocks. Wild brood stocks from a genetic, biologically or harvest management view have way more negatives than positives. Planting fish where they can be caught and at levels that are in line with the fihing pressure (put fish where people fish).

HABITAT - This is where the real work will be. What we are talking about is protection our river systems; we can't approach at a single species level. It means that folks have to get involved in the dirty process of lobbying and learning to play the American politic game. Have to learn how the games are played and hold decision makers accountable for protecting the publics resources rather than caving in to special interests pressure. Folks need to get involved at the local, state and federal levels demanding "greener" laws and regulations as well as enforcement of existing laws (example ESA). Part and parcel with this will be the willingness to pay more for everything. Protecting our rivers means that power, water, and most everything else will cost more. It also may mean less growth or jobs.

All the above applies to steelhead as well as the other salmonids. They are really just thumbnail sketches all which could be developed with much more detail. However I need to tie a fly or two for tomrrow so that will be all for now. Hope it helps to provide some food for thought..

Tight lines
Smalma