I'm no bio or expert, but if sardines are being overharvested doesn't that mean that whatever eats sardines (salmon, tuna, whales, seals, birds, whatever), are going to be eating more of the other prey/food species out their. Would that affect food available to Steelhead?? I would think so...
And where do the steelhead go when they hit the salt? Are they like salmon and head North? Are they being caught as bycatch in another fishery in the salt? Even if the sardine harvest is reduced in WA/OR if the fish aren't feeding there the majority of the time it wouldn't matter.
If the nets are in the Skagit system they are most certainly catching Nates now, I have talked to a number of my friends who have been getting Nates regularly up there. Yes it may not be the "main" run yet, but if the run is in trouble shouldn't any bycatch be a problem?? Not saying anything can be done with how things are now, but can it be changed.
For those of you who claim high poaching mortality on Nates and talk about lack of enforcement, would you care to float the river and take some pics and make some phone calls?? I'm willing and it looks like I will have some non-fishing free time on my hands in March and April. Good time for me to try out my toon and learn the river myself. Any one want to join me??

I really appreciate everyone passion on the topic and hope we can weed through the BS and egos and work together on a solution, and not just on the Skagit.

Peace,B