You certainly have a way with words Joe....well put.

Although it's a favorite fishery for many of us, including Joe, the closure is obviously much needed and has been a long time coming.

An escapement goal of 6000 fish for the Skagit is preposterous to begin with. Last years prediction of 6,100 fish allowed us to fish over 'em. 100 fish over? Gimmee a break! The actual escapement, from what I heard, was close to 2500 fish.

On a system where HARVEST used to exceed 15,000 fish on average years, and 20,000 on good years? Hmmmmm.....

Whether or not the closure will improve future runs remains to be seen, but at least it's a start.

Ike