Ian Horning
12/14/2016 8:22:00 PMThe run isn't late- it's almost nonexistent this year. From what I've heard we will be lucky to have 600 fish return.
hookset'n
12/15/2016 9:12:00 AMThe run isn't late, it's just going to be dismal. This is the first year of returns where WDFW was forced to plant the steelhead smolts into local lakes rather than in the rivers. You don't have to "hear" anything, just pay attention. Hatchery workers are all saying about 600 will be a good return but if you were paying attention a couple years ago when WDFW was sued and could not release hatchery smolts, then you'd know a few years later this was going to happen. It's math, no plants = no returns. This will take a few years to recover.
riverhunter
12/15/2016 9:28:00 AMhttp://www.spokesman.com/blogs/outdoors/2014/apr/25/state-settles-hatchery-steelhead-lawsuit/
I did pay attention and actually fished for those smolts at numerous lakes that had 10 fish limits but you are misinformed. All puget sound rivers had to stop releasing fish with rivers connecting to the puget sound with the exception of the skykomish. Reiter ponds hatchery was allowed to continue to release fish for both summer and winter steelhead.I keep close tabs on that and was very informed of the lawsuit that happened. The link above this comment will prove what I am speaking of
I did pay attention and actually fished for those smolts at numerous lakes that had 10 fish limits but you are misinformed. All puget sound rivers had to stop releasing fish with rivers connecting to the puget sound with the exception of the skykomish. Reiter ponds hatchery was allowed to continue to release fish for both summer and winter steelhead.I keep close tabs on that and was very informed of the lawsuit that happened. The link above this comment will prove what I am speaking of