I just threw it out there for a different perspective. I gave an example of a classic terminal fishery, one that works for all partys and is financially self sufficient.
This Neets bay hatchery is on a small creek. I don't know where they get the large qty of clean water you say is needed but this one hatchery produces enough smolts for multiple release sites.

Using the Sinclair Inlet as an example, you have the Minter Creek hatchery in the back of the inlet. You got water, property, and a bay long enough to provide multiple fisheries within it. And there isn't any river systems to worry about.


I'm sure a hatchery terminal fishery like I suggested will never work. The reason is we as anglers and our "managers" will never change from the existing model. We argue, we go to court, and when all is said and done we end up losing opportunity. There's no inovation, there's just excuses for why we can't change.

If it does ever change I'll get a boat to fish here again but after 35 yrs of watching decline, I've decided to keep my boat in Ketchikan.