From memory, when there are low returns of Nates they usually say so and that they are closing it to protect the few natives returnig but this time they said that and this a quote from the website "The release requirement is being imposed because the harvestable number of wild-run steelhead is expected to be taken in those river systems by Jan. 15." I just interpreted that it meant their pre-set numbers on harvetable natives has been reached already.
Maybe I am wrong...that would be a first though!! j/k
Tight Lines
Ryan