Thanks again Jerry for sending me the packet of proposed Sportfishing rules. One thing that chaps my butt is that they will not consider Statewide C&R of wild steelhead. Their rationale - "The Commission considered this during the last major regulation cycle and did not adopt it. It is too soon to re-address the issue. In addition, not allowing wild steelhead under any circumstances will complicate allocation issues with treaty tribes."

So, let's look at this. The "too soon" issue is one that bureaucrats typically use. The claim is that we need to give the current regulation some time so that we can judge its effect. The only problem - the current regulation is not new, its the same old regulation (albeit restricted to fewer rivers) that has been in effect for years. In my opinion, a major copout!!

The complication of allocation with treaty tribes is not explained. Are we talking the famous "foregone opportunity"? I would like to see explanation of this. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how we can get this statement explained?

Those of us who believe in wild steelhead release need to keep up the pressure. Don't let the bast**ds grind you down.