Freespool,

No one said anything about unregulated fishing with traps at the lcoations I described. So no, the commercials wouldn't be cleaning out anything. They would take what they're allowed - marked hatchery chinook, but not so many as to risk not meeting broodstock needs or upriver treaty fishing obligations and fishing in Idaho, where many of the fish originate. But they would generally be able to harvest more than at present.

And why spend the money? Regulated selective harvest is why. The cost would be small fraction of what BPA pisses away on SAFE and numerous other unproductive fisheries programs.

Jerry,

The Columbia flow is already managed; no flooding. The fish ladders still work. Simply retrofit trapping and sorting facilities at the top of the ladders.
Trap damage can be managed by keeping the traps out of the floodway. The trap at Merwin is being rebuilt. It could serve a selective harvest purpose if desired. The one at Cowlitz already permits sorting; it's a slam dunk. The Commission just needs to decide to do it. They have the authority. Willamette Falls would need the most work, but it would be an investment with a significant conservation payoff.

Sg