I hope Curt will weigh in on this as Lake Stevens is one of his home waters and as a retired WDFW fisheries biologist has insight on things that we may not.

Kokanee seem to be very fragile fish. Releasing them may be well intended, but if the mortality rate is high, it may not be the best choice?

If a particular water becomes extremely popular, reducing the daily limit may be an option to preserve or extend that fishery.

Some fisheries are under-utilized, in which case liberal limits may be desirable in that they offer a recreational opportunity in an era when we are seeing more and more restrictions.

It is a tough call.