Brewer,

I don't know how you evaluate what a river should produce, but I think any reasonable estimation process has to consider all the major factors that affect productivity, capacity, and diversity. In order for the Yakima to be chuck full of steelhead two major factors that limit productivity and capacity would have to be removed. First, eliminate use of the Yakima basin as an irrigation water source and restore the water supply and hydrologic cycle to fish production instead of fruit and vegetables. Second, eliminate upstream and downstream passage mortality associated with the four lower Columbia River mainstem dams. Do those things and you would be surprised at the steelhead population response in the Yak.

Sg