4Salt, Thanks for the reply - I guess that only makes sense. If this is true though, what wouldn't make sense is why the tri-state game depts. would allow anglers to start fishing them so early! They already have the longest and toughest gauntlet of all springers to get to their headwaters. It's no wonder a few of these watersheds are in trouble, if what you have mentioned is correct. Thanks again and Tight Lines!