I don't post a lot but I read a ton here and appreciate this site and for the most part the people. The information is great that happens here and for the most part things stay tame. With what I have seen from a few calling people that one want the state to follow the law, two try something different and support groups that do, and three people that support wild fish extremists, snobs, elitist, and other various names. I feel compelled to at least say I support the law suit settlement and what it is trying to accomplish.

If the state had followed the rules in the last 10 years then none of this would happen. I get that people want to fish, heck I want to fish but can you honestly say honestly that what is going on is working? I love taking home a fish once in awhile I get it but I enjoy the experience of fish more and if I never bring home another steelhead I am fine. If that makes me a snob so be it. The state has fallen down trying to protect wild fish and those are the fish that I value more. Hatchery fish can end at any time for a variety of reason that have nothing to do with fish. Wild fish given half a chance can help.

Is this solution he end all be all and perfect. Heck no. Not even close but at least it is a start and we are trying something different and there is a group willing to force the hand of the state and the state settled because they didn't know they had a leg to stand on. Hatchery fish aren't the only cause of wild fish decline, heck most likely not be the major issue, but if you look at a lot of the science that has been posted here they are a factor just like habitat, hydro, harvest, and humans.

I know the name calling and flames will start but I saw someone ask does anyone support this and I wanted to stand up and say I do. I may be the only one but giving up 2 months of fishing time for a new way of thinking and hopefully 6 months in the future seems like a good trade off to me. I saw a post, forget from who, that said he was waiting for the day when fisherman stood up for fish not fishing. If you stand up for the fish fishing will come in my opinion.

Let the flames begin.

Jeff Johnson (yes my real name)

PS: I can be for hatcheries done right and hatchery fish but I haven't seen any lately in what I have read.