CFM,

No.

Jacob,

Redd counts from 4 and 5 years ago went into the forecast for the wild steelhead run size. A run size forecast should have been available pre-season, before December. If the forecasted run size was less than the spawning escapement goal, the steelhead fishing season was based on the availability of hatchery steelhead and a minimal impact on the wild run. That's known as a compromise. WDFW usually allows a run that is forecast to be less than its escapement goal to be made somewhat smaller due to "incidental" harvest during a fishery for another species or stock for which there are harvestable numbers. The pre-season forecast for hatchery steelhead probably predicted harvestable fish to be present - I don't know that, but you can verify it by calling WDFW, Mill Creek, 425/774-8812, and asking to speak with the steelhead harvest management biologist. As we now know, the hatchery steelhead run is a bust, with few hatchery returns, harvestable or otherwise. Therefore, the only reason to allow continued fishing in the Green River would be to allow angling opportunity at the cost of further reducing this year's spawning escapement, which is already predicted to be less than the escapement goal. Is that what you want?

Sincerely,

Salmo g.