Pfunk,
I dont think it would hurt the indians that much. Most of their market for the egg take is over seas, mostly the Japanese.
The only thing a year round bait ban would put a dent in is my (and others) ability to experience the rush induced by a big King smaking a golf ball sized egg cluster.
If you guys are seriously concerned about hurting smolts with bait, dont use it. Or better yet dont fish the river in question and encourage others as well.

Tight Lines
RL