To answer a couple of questions earlier in this thread.

"There should be no major expenses incurred by the WDFW. 5 minutes to post the opening on their website and some salary for enforcement."

To allow us to fish they will have to meet the requirements of the plan for monitoring. At minimum this will be four techs at various and moving locations in the areas open to interview anglers as to encounters, locations of encounters, number in party, number of vehicles in party, and a couple other things I can't remember off the top of my head. All of this is in addition to a minimum of two enforcement agents. Estimated cost for a 10 -12 week season; $110,000.

"C&R mortality rates."

The rate used 10%. Best to err on the side of the fish.

"Like Evo said, make a stamp or whatever. KISS principle."

WDFW cannot impose any fees without legislative approval. In their recent budget increase request was the funding to run Skagit C&R seasons and the sockeye seasons for two years along with a host of other programs. The budget increase, which included higher license fees was turned down by your elected officials.

"I would submit to the WDFW that they've already spent more money just talking about it, than it would cost to open it."

You might actually be right about that. We first approached them about creating this season five years ago!

"I'm already paying for a license that gives me VERY little opportunity to keep and kill fish."

Lowland lakes will still open this year!

"However why should I pay even a dime more for the opportunity to fish a river that requires me to release my catch?"

When was the last time you got a pay raise? ESA requirements will make it more expensive for WDFW to provide opportunity.