CM -
I agree that some sort of gear restriction during game fish seasons during salmon closures would be appropriate!

Unfortunately the co-managers (state and tribes) do not agree! Selective gear/fly fishing only restrictions were not adequate on the Stillaguamish/north Fork Stillaguamish and on the Skagit basin selective gear rules (barbless hooks, no trebles, no bait) with a hook size restriction was not adequate for summer/fall game fish seasons.

Even worst on for the Stillaguamish basin there has been significant reduction at winter steelhead opportunities (one of a handful streams where hatchery winter steelhead are still released). In recent years the entire main stem of the Stillaguamish (18 miles of the river) and the first 26 miles of the North Fork were open for winter steelhead fishing (with gear) for two months (December and January) this winter all that water is closed to all fishing. The 4 miles of the North Fork between the mouth of French Creek to the Swede Haven bridge (hatchery site is in the middle of that section) will remain open though the normal December to mid-February season has been cut by 40% (Dec. 15 to end of Jan.) and the fishing has been limited to fly fishing only.

Curt