Though I hate to admit it, Fishing and hunting lies has the scenario laid out in it's most recent issue.The direction of their editorial suggests that it can be fought. I don't even want to begin to think of the added pressure other rivers are going to get if this scene plays out.

Reduced hatchery funding(state and federal), fewer plants in fewer rivers, giving the columbia to the tribes, less opportunity with more crowds on the rivers that are open.......and now this?

Sorry, but I am fast becoming convinced that the state and feds. REALLY DO want to eliminate any meaningful sportfishing in Washington. I am all for helping wild fish but this plan is insane....especially in light of the 3 dams on the cowlitz.

Better enjoy it while you can guys, this appears to be a losing battle year by year. I'm not giving up but I also see the writing on the wall. I hope I'm wrong.

When was the last time we had a new, quality salmon/steelhead opportunity given to us by the state with dollars we provide? For that matter, increased opportunity on an existing fishery?


It's been awhile.

This is just one more example where the sportfishers of this state MUST band together at the most basic level-to fight for the opportunity to even fish! But then again, based on past performance, this is about as likely as any of us winning the lottery.

Yeah, I'm a little fed up.