Very interesting thread. Let me put an additional spin on it. In my humble opinion, the finest hatchery steelhead come from the Quinault Hatchery on Cook Creek. I have personally seen many hatchery fish in the high teens and one that tipped the scale at 24 lbs. I have heard rumors that every year there are 30 lb. hatchery fish returning to Cook Creek and/or Salmon River. It would be very interesting to hear how the Quinaults select broodstock. Letty?
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"You're not a g*dda*n looney Martini, you're a fisherman"

R.P. McMurphy - One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest