I got some low-down on this the other day. It is not just for salmon but for steelhead as well. The proposal is to require a "pass" (they didn't want to use the word "stamp" but I can't remember the exact word they used) to fish the Columbia and all tribs from the wooden power lines (upstream from the Ringold area) upstream to I believe Chief Joe Dam (not positive on the upper boundary). It would be a small surcharge, around $25 or so and the revenue would go to provide additional staff to manage the fisheries (e.g., fish checkers, extra enforcement etc.). Monies would not be directed into the general fund for other expenses.

It would greatly affect me and the areas I fish but if it would improve the chances to have fisheries on the Wenatchee and Methow, then I'd pay double the price, at least for steelhead.

A couple of negative outcomes could be the potential of having this idea spread to other parts of the state but I don't see it much different than the classified waters in BC and I guess I'm not opposed to that idea.