Salmo g,thanks for taking the time for a very informative post.
I have a few vicerally formed opinions.
1. Gillnets should never be used in rivers, but theoretically if you are going to catch salmon of mixed runs the river is the best place as the weak runs are separated from the strong runs. I would like to see the tribes return to the use of fish traps as these were used in the past and can be a very selective form of harvest.
2.Steelhead should be designated a game fish. I understand what you say about being their fish and this is just my opinion of how the steelhead should be used, but damn ,I don't like it.
I am also frustrated by the trbes fishing when there are conservation closures for everyone else. My only relief is to try to see things from their veiw. They blame the non indians for the decline of salmon,and if you have done any research or history study, they are right. They feel they have already been drastically cut back,not to mention being denied treaty fishing rights for years, and don't give a hoot if there is are any fish left for the non indians to harvest. I am not trying to speak for the indians, this is just my thought and I am open to correction.
The friction between the groups has it's roots in the special status of rights one group has that the other dosn't. It is hard for me to reconcile this sovereign nation concept with the ideals this nation is founded on.
Smilesforu(spelling?) If you are talking about paying the tribes not to fish, they have made it very clear that this is not an option.