skyrise -

It makes sense that the larger basins would more diverse habitat (and fish?) and likely a higher probability that at least some of that habitat would be in decent shape. I do find it interesting that the two Puget Sound east side steelhead populations that arguably are in the basin shape are the Skagit and Samish. The two are polar opposite in terms of basin size.

What the two populations do share is that of the east side populations they have the most direct and shortest paths to the ocean. Have to wonder that their populations are experiencing lower early marine mortalities than the other PS populations.

Curt