I don't think anyone is disparaging these organizations. I appreciate their efforts.
I'm all for more access, but access doesn't mean much to me if there aren't fish to fish for or seasons available.
I caught my first steelhead ever on the Puyallup 50 years ago last month.
I'd truly like the opportunity to fish for steelhead there again sometime in my life, but I don't hold out much hope for that access or not.
As far as saltwater goes, it seems the easy default by many government agencies regardless of the original plans is to lets just put in kayak or day use facilities and we don't have (as many) hassles with the permitting process, or the costs.
The PNP launch situation is totally ridiculous. It is being utilized, but not for its intended purpose.
SF
You have me beat. 44 years ago for me. I fished the Puy. alot up and down, since I grew up here and still reside. Hell, probably saw you around somewhere from the mid to late 70's on. My grandfather taught me Steelhead, lived and also grew up in town. He exclusively fished the Puy. his whole life. Never had to go anywhere else to catch. I learned to cast using the Winona #105 reel, which is all he and my dad ever used. Still have them today. Really sad about not being able to fish Feb. and March any more. I commented this on the Sauk Skagit thread last week.
"Motivated to get more involved here down south. Been out of the club scene since the Northwest Steelheaders of TU disbanded here in Puyallup. Maybe push for some HMP's for some late season Steelhead CnR for the Green, Puyallup and Nisqually. What groups do I need join around Puyallup where I live to get cut in on the information and processes to follow in the Skagit, Sauk success? Any chance we can push for an HMP on the Puyallup to start, or Green? Am I living in a pipe dream? Going to retire in a few years and would love to wet a line again on my home river for some wild steel. Thanks."
Answers I recieved to my comments was it will never happen. Discouraging at best. 1st, you have to have an abundance of fish, which I think the Puy has. 2nd, needed support from all angles inside and out of the WDFW. 3rd, tribal support. I think it can happen. I know their are others out there that would step up for the Puy. and Green, myself included.
As far as Puy. access. I support all efforts for access. May not be as much as in the past but still exists without launches if you've rooted around over the years and know where to go. Lets hope this is a start of a long process for future opportunity.