Mooch -
Unfortunately my understanding is that the wild steelhead situation on the Nisqually has not improved - it remains chronically under-escaped. Both the Cedar and Nisqually are if interest in that they both closed to fishing (the Cedar year-round) and are no longer planted with steelhead smolts. Even with the elimination of the two "evils" of steelhead management (killing of wild fish and inappropriate steelhead stocks planted) neither population has rebounded. Fingers remainded crossed that marine survival conditions will improve and these and other wild stocks will bounce back.

You are correct in that until the mid-1980s there were not many CnR waters. However there also was very little angler interest as well. I recall many days during the prime of the fishing with the river in prime shape, the fishing willing, the scenery outstanding and other than myself and my partners virtually no one on the water. There was no need for additional waters. As interest in this type of recreation increased more opportunities were provided. Unfortunately the recent decline in wild survivals have led to the closures of some of those - the fish needs must come first.

Yes - I'm a biologist. Does it make a difference?

Tight lines
Smalma