From what I've heard, the large numbers of steelhead in the Great Lakes tributaries are the result of aggressive hatchery programs. With the typically low spawning success rates of hatchery strains (and most of these fish are the descendants of Skamania hatchery stock from Washington) that's the only thing that keeps them going. I don't think this represents an argument for augmentation of hatchery programs in this state, where many rivers still have healthy numbers of wild fish. Remember, the Fish and Game Commission is going to decide, early next year, whether or not to make steelhead catch-and-release year round in all the waters of the state, so write, e-mail or phone them and register your support.

[This message has been edited by Preston Singletary (edited 10-25-2000).]