Those of us that have fished the western part of this sate for migratory fish know that hatcheries, commercial fishing, sport fishing and logging take a toll on the fish. BUT, nothing takes a bigger toll than a f#*king net set across a river. The indians say they want it be the way it used to be but they don't live it. I'm sick of hearing about their customs and rights. It's especially sickening when I see a sh!t load of fish laying on the bank rotting or a net that hasn't been pulled for days. Nets strewn all the way across when they are not supposed to do that. Or in one case 20 to 30 chrome bright steelhead laying in the middle of a dirt road to be used as bear bait. They need to get over it and stop being a major part of the problem. I would be more than willing to keep that river closed for 20 years but the indians need to stay away as well. There is no question that the Elwa would be the perfect river to bring back native stocks as the best part of it is not so easy to get to but I have no faith that the indians will play fair. Why would they start now?
I know it's a hashed over subject but it's the truth. A while back I read that they said if the sport fisherman aren't keeping natives why ca't we have them? What kind of thinking is that? They do not and will not ever get it.