This...

Originally Posted By: Smalma

In short for decades the Skagit/Sauk steelhead have been one of most conservatively managed wild winter steelhead populations in the State. Perhaps the only real danger with re-establishing the Skagit/Sauk CnR season is that folks might expect such conservative management elsewhere in the state.


...and this...

Originally Posted By: Smalma
Finally the traditional spring Skagit/Sauk CnR season covered only approximately 25% of the 290 miles of steelhead spawning habitat found in the basin.


With a very late "true spring" spawn timing for the bulk of the run, and so much of the watershed completely off limits to fishing, the Skagit is a unique steelhead fishery.

We *used* to be able to fish over ocean fresh fish right into the end of April.

With no fishing under power, no fishing with bait/barbs, and no directed sport kill fishery, the Skagit system is also unique when compared to west end streams. While the overall amount of fishermen on the west end has skyrocketed for a few reasons, it's amazing the amount of anglers who have to fish below 101 because they feel they can't catch a fish without bait, or may want to kill one. Those anglers won't find any solace in the Skagit opening other than to see the pressure on the west end streams lessen some.

Fish on...

Todd
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Team Flying Super Ditch Pickle