Originally posted by JacobF:
But they base their prediction of the wild run on the number of hatchery fish that return. I talked to a biologist on the Green River about the closure and he said that they use info for previous years redds but they put much more importantance on the hatchery return. I would assume that model holds true for other rivers as well. Now, they knew what the redd count was on the Sky 2 or 3 years ago. Not to mention the excelent hatchery return. With that knowledge, they set the season to close March 31. Not only did they get enough hatchery fish to restock the Sky, they got enough in combination with the Snoqualmie, to re-supplement 3 other rivers.What has changed to make them change their prediction?
The past years, the actual spawning escapement has jived with the WDFW's preseason forecast.
In this instance, I believe what they have to say, and am all for the river closures in the spring. 35% of escapement is a dismal number...we just need to let those fish be.
Remember, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead do not exhibit the same life history traits...wild steelhead are also much more susceptible to many more factors then hatchery fish because their entire life is spent in the natural enviroment.
Do not worry Jacob, we arent getting screwed.
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