My biggest problem with mandatory WSR in the state is knowing how the WDFW works. Let's face it, rarely do sportsmen ever get something back. If anything, we conceed more. Once mandatory WSR goes into effect, I'll be large sums of money that in a few years, it'll be closed completely. After all, I think just about everyone would agree that sportsmen are not the problem. Does anyone seriously think run size will dramatically increase with mandatory C&R? Of course not. I have no doubt, that eventually, mandatory WSR will go into effect. However, that will not solve the problem. So what will the state do next? Eliminate commerical fisheries? Of course not! Cut back on tribal harvest? Heavens no! They'll just completely shut down C&R fishing. By restricting sports fishing, the state can claim they are making moves to improve the fish situation but it's just lip service because it will not do any good.

A few years ago, Puget Sound Rivers were open to C&R through the end of March. Then, they closed the Snohomish system at the end of February and the Green closed March 15. Now, last year, the Green closed the end of February as well. Pretty soon, they'll be closing mid Feb. The more sportsmen give up, the more the department will take.

I do not advocate the killing of wild steelhead either. I have never killed one, nor do I plan on it. I'm perfectly happy releasing native fish, however, I don't want to lose opportunity to fish and I have no faith at all in the department.