On just about all Puget Sound streams there is substantial separation between the hatchery and native runs. On the Sky, the separation is remarkable; hatchery fish run from late-November and is just about over by late-February, while the nates run from mid-February through April. There are some early nates as well as a few late hatchery fish, but the run was genetically selected for early return by years of selecting early fish for brood stock.

I generally run 8 or 10 during the hatchery season and 12/12 during C&R, mainly because of the size of the respective fish. Most steelheaders that catch fish consistently in all conditions, feel it an advantage to use lighter lines when its clear and/or bright out. I fight a fish until I can land it, no more, no less, and this usually take no more than 10 minutes. This is not difficult with properly matched gear. I fish for both the conditions and the fish in the water; the separation of runs makes this possible most of the time.

I agree that a fish should not be fought to exhaustion, its just not necessary, but I don't think 8lb test is irresponsible in mixed streams.

[This message has been edited by obsessed (edited 02-21-2000).]