Well, fellas, it just keeps gettin' better. I just heard from Mr. Kraemer again, and he confirmed that the closure will apply to the Skagit/Sauk system as well. If nothing else, this should point out the fragility of our wild stocks (so fragile they can't withstand a C & R fishery, according to the State) and make any catch and kill allowed seem ridiculous. As of now, I'm in a quandry--if the assessment is correct, I think we can do without a season to ensure the health of our runs. However, if the methodology is flawed, and the reported improvements in ocean survival actually make for a good run, I will be upset to miss the season. And for all the guides and shops, well, it's going to be extremely tough to swallow. I'm wondering if we (or they) can use the 2-salt hatchery fish as an indicator of ocean survival and base the closure or opening on that. If, as many fisheries biologists believe, the ocean turned to favorable conditions starting with the 2-salt fish returning this year, and as Salmo g. stated that outgoing smolt counts are a poor basis for returning adult numbers, the hatchery run this winter should be good indication of how the wild fish fared. Anybody?