Smalma and Salmo- thanks! I agree with Smalma that we need a baseline to have consistency and measure effects. We can and should keep an eye on the baseline- but you guys have the knowledge. Keep us in the loop? That said, I'm all for sport opportunity (thanks you Salmo), and I believe regs could be modified to account for holding upriver fish, and spawners in the same water, by using the same established baselines for hooking impact- barbless C&R works according to science.
I see a number of waters that are obvious candidates for this reg- particularly on the Skagit. If kelts are of concern, why open a bait season on the Sauk June 1? If salmon are closed, and no hatchery steelhead planted, above the Cascade, why open a bait & barber season up there? We have tools to mitigate sport impact, why not use them where appropriate? Just give it a chance and see what happens? My understanding of this years minor reg cycle says we need to find an advocate inside WDFW for regs change. Fitting with the economic benefits and wild & scenic designation of the Skagit drainage- I'm all for year round selective on the Sauk, and selective above the Cascade. The only legal take in those waters are Dollies and steelhead (and "trout"). We could run a "whitefish season" but for Dollies... but that doesn't work well- too complicated. Seems like a win-win to have clear C&R selective rules in place where so many species are around but off limits. I have no anger towards anyone just looking for good solutions that allow me to keep fishin... Worth a try?