Smalma -

Great stats. Do you have any stats on harvest for chums? Lets say, commercial, tribal and sport? I would be very surprised if the sport harvest was more than 3% on even years. The chum fishing on the skagit is a recreational fishery that generates a lot of income for the local economy. Far more money than will be generated from commercials (we won't bring tribal slitting into the topic). These rule changes need to be addressed and reviewed long before implementing them (at least a year in advance). WDFW probabaly new for some time (3,4 years) that escapement goals would not be met. This would allow for public input and lobbying which could help the sportsmen/women retain their rights. Instead of getting the shaft year after year.

All others concerned about swift creek/ snagging. Stopped stewing about something you can never change unless you close the river to fishing (every where). Look at the big picture, those involved are affecting probably .005% of the population. Half of the fish they catch are spent and their effect is quite irrelevant.

LT