Does anyone know what the thinking is at the Tumwater falls hatchery? The hatchery shows over 11,000 surplus with only 200 released. The falls themselves are said to be a natural barrier, with no fish being able to get above it. There were rumors that some might make it back during an extreme flood, but the fact that no wild fish make it back to the ladder would seem to point this to being a non-factor. That said, only 200 fish were released above the dam. The state does open it up for harvest, so, again, native fish are not deemed to be an issue. So, what harm could there be in releasing all of the surplus upstream. They are not table fare, but what if they did start to spawn naturally. I have seen these fish before they enter the hatchery and have yet to see one that would be worth eating, so unless they are selling the eggs for a profit, they might as well let them go rather than having to dispose of them elsewhere.