I agree. This is sad, disappointing, and frustrating.

This is the 5th year in a row WDFW has closed the Kalama river early for spring Chinook because they may not get their escapement. The last good year was 2007, when over 7000 springers returned to the Kalama. That was twice as many as the previous record (which was 3500). Since 2007, they've struggled to meet the spawning escapement goals. They've closed it early in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and now in 2012. I believe they're using Willamette stock, which doesn't seem to be getting the results anyone is happy with. Perhaps it's time to switch back to the Carson stock.....

Just for the record, I've landed two springers on the Kalama this year. A 13lb wild fish that went back to spawn, and a nice 18lb hatchery hen that I kept. Gottem both on sand shrimp under a float. I got that 18lber on Friday morning. I suspect the recent rains brought in some fresh fish.