So from reading this thread ive got that most of the older generation think everyone should stop fishing for them cus it isnt what it used to be back in the day when they all fished non selective and that its overcrowded. Sounds like a bunch of burned out steelheaders now think everyone should feel burned out.

Some spots/times are more crowded than they were 30 years ago...but plenty are less crowded, too...that's not really the issue for me, though the west end streams get pretty clogged with boats on some days.

I'd rather just fish less than prime days/conditions when the crowds start to bug me too much.

I still love doing it, and catching fish...I just don't try quite as hard any more, and am more easily satisfied with a few fish here and there, fishing when/where I want, in whatever way I feel like fishing that day, conditions and "best technique for today" be damned

Fish on...

Todd

Tru dat! I have given up on the wild fish. They are pretty important. The gillnets at the mouths of the rivers are doing a great job of getting rid of them.

I see even some experienced guides netting fish before releasing. Just for the money shot I guess.

"They managed them till they were gone"

Without hatchery fish you can kiss your fishery and the native fish goodbye.

yup

You've reached Larry Dahlberg's final stage in the evolution of a fisherman:

1) I want to catch a fish
2) I want to catch a lot of fish
3) I want to catch a big fish
4) I want to catch them the way I want to catch them

The final stage leaves open numerous minimal impact methods for those who care: fly, drift, float and jig, others - take your pick.
(Diver and bait, uh no....)