For what it's worth, I have a source in WDFW that says they are NOT eliminating the summer run program on the nooch (unless they came to a recent decision since January when I talked to him).

Earlier this winter, we spoke of the future of the program and the recent cuts affecting hatcheries everywhere. He seemed confident that we weren't going to lose the summers. What is effecting the number of plants year to year is disease problems at Lake Aberdeen where the eggs are raised. In recent years, it apparently has caused some wild flucuations in survival to smolt stage when they are released. He says their target is 60,000 but in recent years disease has resulted in releases in the 38-40,000 range.

And drifter, I hope I run into you in your 14 ft. sled in the summer low flows of the nooch this summer. I know who you are and I can't wait to share some opinions with you!