Driving home from work this afternoon(Wed.) over the Chehalis R. bridge in Aberdeen, I looked up river 1/4 mile to see a tribal gillnet strung out across the river. Anyone know what they are targeting? Letty Potter, you seem to be up to speed on tribal doings........know anything? I don't believe they are after sturgeon as those kind of nets are set close to the river bottom. This was a standard gillnet with the bobbers across the surface. I'd hate to think it was spring chinook or worse, summer steelhead.....neither is in abundance.

I'm not interested in this post mutating into an indian-bashing session(don't read that as myself supporting gillnetting...I don't)I'd just like some feedback as this is an odd time of year for the nets to be in.

Just curious.

[This message has been edited by EricW (edited 06-14-2000).]

Eric:

The tribe has a legal fishery for "Spring Chinook/summer run Steelhead" until a time in June, either the middle or the end of the month. If they happen to catch sturgeon, incidentally, heaven forbid, then they may keep and sell any legal size fish. In past years, many more sturgeon were caught than springers or summer run. As you probably know the price for sturgeon is higher than for either springers or summer run. I sure would not want to be quoted as saying they "target sturgeon" by "sinking thier nets" but
have been told that happens. Have not seen it.....but I try to stay away from any of "gill netting"....makes me sick!!!!

"Worse day sport fishing, still better than the best day working"......

Monday thru friday fishing schedule for next 3 weeks or so. Slow fishing so far.

Nets on every river in Washington state.. Oh I almost forgot... cheap smokes, fireworks and gambling also... AIN'T THAT A HOOT..

I dont think casinos,fireworks and cheap smokes are in there treaty! its a frickin joke.So now that I got that off my chest I'm going to go watch them shoot a whale with a 50 cal.you know like they use to do years ago.

[This message has been edited by Timber man (edited 06-14-2000).]

"I'm not interested in this post mutating into an indian-bashing session(don't read that as myself supporting gillnetting...I don't)I'd just like some feedback as this is an odd time of year for the nets to be in

Just curious."

Thank you Potter. I was about to give the same reminder.

Some people don't read very well.

Potter:

What is "slow fishing"??? Do you have numbers???? Would be interesting to see how many springers, steelhead, and "if" any sturgeon are being reported.

"Worse day sport fishing, still better than the best day working"..

Your best bet would be to stop by the fish plant in Aberdeen and talk to Don or LuLu.