What about those hatcheries that we all love? Mike, those "frustrating" models our managing agencies rely on suggest that hatchery runs have not augmented, but merely replaced wild runs. How about bagging "hatchery reform" in return for breaching a dam or two, i.e. a long-term goal of dam removal/hatchery phase-out, where wild populations can slowly fill in the gaps formed by newly created habitat. It dosen't surprise me that nobody on this BB mentioned the H-word, though. That's because most of us have the same attitude that other non-fishers have -- damage control in regards to the dam issue. As it stands, straight-up dam removal gives recreational fishers the largest net benefit. If the increase in our electricity bills hurt us that much, then we WOULD be using VMCs, and lord knows we wouldn't be arguing about which Loomis fishes the best --because we'd all be using Eagle Claws. In my opinion the effective recovery of our native salmon and steelhead stocks should originate from user groups, like us recreational fishers, that utilize them the most. Maybe our sacrifices, like hatchery removal or just plain not fishing (the ultimate sacrifice), will be equally matched by non-fishers, such as farmers, Joe Blow or Jane Doe, who will incur the economic costs that Salmo G. highlighted. Ultimately, the recovery of native stocks on the Columbia will require a holistic effort by numerous stakeholders. For now I can dream though that those 20lb Tule clones disappear to Never Never Land, and out emerges this historic run of URBs -- Ooh! Aah! Damm I wet myself again!

"Clap yo' hands everybody. Everybody clap yo' hands."-Lamar, Revenge of the Nerds