Makes a lot of sense, Jim. The state would be concerned about hatchery escapement minimums (since hatcheries aren't going away anytime soon), but WDFW otherwise might like the "simplicity" of it all.
I see that there's a seed sprouting, from our past attempts to protect all wild steelhead, everywhere in the state. The F&W Commission Workshop schedule for October 6-7 lists a briefing on "wild steelhead 'no harvest' policy" at 1:50 pm on the 7th. The workshop will be held in Room 172 of the Natural Resources Bldg in Olympia. Bob Gibbons is shown as the key staffer.
This is a followup on the FWC's request to the department to evaluate the impacts of total C&R of wild steelhead.