Salmo,
Im sure that has something to do with it. However, a few years back one of the gamies told us they moved the deadline back to discourage snagging in the deep pool below the dam. So their logic is punish all for the actions of a few (rather than enforce the regs on the abusers). This really pissed me off because those fish WILL eat eggs under a float.
Also, swing by there later in the season and see for your self how many rotting carcasses (whole fish...not filleted) there are....long after the broodstock requirements are met. The same thing applies here during the fall run.

RL