Isn't anyone on this site gonna comment about some members fishing where there could possibly be spawning fish. Some people post about how it's possible to fish in the upper stretches of rivers and not fish to redds. Seems like it would be hard to choose where you're fishing in all cases, due to light, water clarity, wave action/boils/seems, shadows, etc. You can't see everything all the time. Good thing this not something that I practice. I guess the upper river is the best place to catch them, shallow water where you can see them, might be a little easier for the angler, hmmmmm.
Stan,
If you knew anything about the Quinault River you would know that most of the native winter steelhead in this system spawn up in the water above the bridge about 7 miles above the lake. These waters are closed to all fishing to protect spawning fish from being harassed by ill intentioned anglers. I am a lifelong resident of Washington State and have fished these rivers for more than half of my 46 years here. I have seen the impact of poor management on our rivers. I assure you I use much more ethical angling techniques than to fish for steelhead on redds. The seven miles between the lake and this bridge are some of the best steelheading water you will ever see. So good in fact, that a couple of tribal guides saw it fit to take their clients up through the lake and into this stretch of river on the day I was out there. Thank you for your concern about unethical angling practices such as fishing for spawning fish on redds, I appreciate you asking the question. If you want to find out what kind of angling techniques I employ, learn about my angling ethics and really learn about our rivers, get ahold of me next time your out in the great Northwest and I'll be happy to take you to a couple of my favorite streams.
Another example of how well CnR works to help native runs. Can be seen by looking to the steelhead runs on Vancouver Island. There runs are still declining even with many many years of mandatory CnR.
Duroboat,
You may want to talk to our Canadian friends on this forum, they could give you an education on why the runs are declining on Vancouvaer Island......can you say "Fish Farms"?
I think its time to put this thread to bed. Thanks again for everyones input!
