milt roe -
Any habitat protection or hatchery changes aimed at aiding the anadromous form of O. mykiss (steelhead) would be of a benefit to the resident rainbows. However if one is going to be serious about providing protection to the resident rainbows some major overall would be needed in the harvest arena.

Remember these rainbows are year-round residents in the streams and can be expected to live to at least 10 years old if protected. As resident fish until like steelhead they will be feeding for most of the year and will be vulunerable to any sport fishery beginning the second summer when as parr they reach that 5/6 inch range and become "catchable" with most sport gear. As with the steelhead they would likely need CnR protection which means that they would be exposed to the potential of hooking mortality over the rest of their lives - 2 to 8 years.

Virtually every study I have seen established a hooking mortality of released bait caught trout in that 30 to 50% range. It should be obvious to all that any protection of the resident fish will require the use of selective gear rules year round. While it may not be absolutely necessary for that restrictive regulations everywhere in the basins it is my feeling that it would be needed in significant portions (at least 1/3 to 1/2) of the anadromous waters. The obvious place to start thinking about such protection "zones" would be above the hatchery rearing areas.

I'm sure such approaches will not be popular with many however it should be equally clear in issues such as this changes in our past behaviors are likely needed and such changes; whether in the habitat or harvest arena are likely to be painful.

Tight lines
Curt