Loomis - Titanium Cranium is correct.

In the "Other Information" section of the closure notice it says, "The Skagit River and Sauk River
catch-and-release seasons remain open as outlined in the 2002/2003 Fishing in Washington rules pamphlet."

I agree with Boater. To conduct this fishery when the predicted returns are just marginally over escapement goals is a travesty. Why kill any steelhead when the predicted return is just 100 fish above the goal. I'm sure the margin of error in the prediction is much larger than the projected surplus.

To further worsen the situation, all of the other nearby rivers are being closed to all fishing thus directing all the pressure and resulting harm to the Skagit/Sauk System.

Where is the Wild Steelhead Coalition when we need them?
Why are they not acting to stop this travesty?
Perhaps an explanation is in order?

I'm afraid that the lobby for catch-and-release missed the boat on this one.