Salmo, I think you're right.

The Washougal had one of the highest success rates of any river in the state due to massive hatchery plants. With no native releasing going on, and lots of fishermen, the nates were mopped up. No one noticed because the hatchery plants were huge and making lots of full punchcards

Hatchery production has been greatly reduced, and, surprise, surprise, few fish are returning. The native run was hit too hard during the heydays.

If you hit the river on the right day, fishing is good for nates and hatchery fish, but there aren't schools of fish in all the holes anymore.

Fish on...
Todd.