Originally Posted By: RUNnGUN
Time for major change. From a different perspective.... designate a few P.S. rivers as "Hatchery Factory Rivers". The Cowlitz should be that way now! Those locations that have the weekest wild populations and nearest to population centers. Could offer the greatest economic return/benefit. A few examples: Green (King County) Puyallup, Snoqualmie, Pilchuck, Nooksack? Provides local opportunities that takes pressure off OP and GH rivers. Design different run timing to last entire season. Desinate restrictions on wild rivers to artificial lures or flies. Have a couple for Fly fishing only. My 2 cents.


The Nooksack likely has the second strongest wild steelhead population in Puget Sound, but the past steelhead program could have been increased substantially given the non-existent rate of introgression. Sometimes the best of both worlds can be had. Otherwise, I agree with your idea except for the fact that localized fishing opportunity would diminish for a large number of people.