Great points LunchTime. I don't see what's so difficult about going selective rules in areas where fresh and spawning fish mix. That way we still get fishing opportunity, while minimizing hooking mortality. The "kill it or close it" mentality just shafts the sportsfishers. The fish pictures Smalma points to make that point perfectly- you will catch downstreamers and ripe fish when winter steelhead fishing- everywhere and anywhere on the Skagit, even when staying away from tailouts and spawning areas. With C&R regs the fishery stays open, and the fish get a quick barbless C&R.

"the co-manager's agreed escapement goals" maybe where the problems start?