If nets were truly 'indiscriminant', then considering the amount of net fishing that goes on, the endangered stocks would be gone. The nets are regulated seasonally and by managing the acceptable take of ESA fish. Sporties typically get the short end of the stick regarding the acceptable take of ESA fish. The mainstem Columbia springer fishery is a prime example where all acceptable take was given to the tribes, hence no sport fishery.

I think publically, WDFW does not consider this controversial. The Tribes will always get first dibs and if there is no more margin for the take of protected species, than the recreational fisheries will be cut off. This is policy and it follows Federal ESA laws as well as the courts interpretations of the Treaties.

In the case of Lake WA sockeye and the protected chinook, its awful early in the season for the Cedar River summer chinooks. WDFW should, however, take care to monitor net catches since there has been a marked tendency for runs to be early this season.

I guess my bottom line is, people tend to think of this as an example of the grossest mis-management of the resources. I don't believe it to be mis-management, I do believe it to be a somewhat unfair allocation to sporties. I also believe that the treaties are correctly interpreted and administered and hence, the only way to reduce netting is to approach the Tribes with alternatives and incentives not to net.