Are we now seeing a special breed of fly fishers who are becoming snaggers? Or are we seeing snaggers who are becoming fly fishers?

Since I don't know this river, I will leave the answer to you! But why would WDFW take such action if fly fishers weren't snagging these fish? And one more question, does using a weighted line that sinks qualify as using a weighted fly? If not why?

Rule change:
Weighted Flies Prohibited on the North Fork

Stillaguamish River

Action: Unlawful to fish with weight, including bead eyes, attached to the leader, line or fly.

Effective date: August 2, 2003 through September 30, 2003.

Species affected: All game fish.

Location: North Fork Stillaguamish River from its mouth to Swede Heaven Bridge.

Reason for action: Harassment by anglers using weighted flies is placing undue stress on this depressed wild population of Chinook.

Other information: This change is being put into effect to protect the spawning Chinook population while still providing recreational fishing opportunities on sea-run cutthroat and steelhead. With the low water conditions this year, Chinook have become concentrated in the few pools that remain in the river. Water temperatures in the river during summer low flow water conditions may exceed 70EF, which causes thermal stress to the fish.

Information contact: Chad Jackson, District Fish Biologist, (425) 775-1311 ext. 113

Anyone know the answers to my questions?

Cowlitzfisherman