Smalma:

Let us be clear on my position. I never tied tribal steelhead plantings to the issue of potential sockeye regeneration. I think one is dumber than dirt and the other would be a great success story.

That said, no one has laid out how many kokanee are in the lake, what age/size would they potentially migrate (that is, would they be of legal size in the recreational fishery), and even if they are subject to a recreational fishing impact how great is that impact relative to the regeneration potential?

Those questions should be out for review and consideration against the adverse recreational opportunity and its economic considerations.

If this is a "natural at any cost" issue then I suggest a consistent approach would entail closing any and all commercial and recreational activities which might have an adverse impact on a species trying to rebuild itself. And such a "natural" approach would not include removing natural barriers to migration.

And, no, I do not fish this lake - never have and doubt I will but I understand the frustration of the local folks over this issue.