just released from Idaho Fish and Game. [url "http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/media/viewNewsRelease.cfm?newsID=6848"]http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/media/viewNewsRelease.cfm?newsID=6848[/url]
so anybody have any theories on whats happening to our fisheries? after this last spring chinook run and now this? my heart is a little broken.
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Thats too bad for you guys over there but at least they are managing things properly IMHO. Probably lots of factors played a role such as ocean conditions, smolt outmigration, harvest on the columbia and lower snake.
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That's a bummer about the limits getting reduced, BUT the last updated prediction I read was 2,500 wild B-run fish returning - not good! It's nice to see IDFG being proactive and doing their part to protect these fish.
As for what is causing the lower numbers, there's probably not one smoking gun, but a combination of factors as the kid said. Ocean conditions seems to be a popular direction to point fingers but good luck figuring out exactly what that means... There's LOTS of other reasons that could affect a particular run ranging from local events to worldwide factors. Maybe the bazillions of fall Chinook this year ate all the food...
Overall though I'd say our fisheries are improving (talking about over the last few decades). There are good years and bad years - it just sucks when its a bad year...
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I HAD a steelhead trip planned for Thanksgiving up to Orofino. I just clicked on your site and read the comments to my dad. What a bummer. Only fish that can be kept are A fish. Not worth driving 500 miles one way for little ones, that does hurt.
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any idea how the numbers of a runs are? just as dismal, or no? i know they've left the season alone for them so far, just wondering if there will be enough to catch or not...
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Sawtooth and Pahsimeroi are anticipating a grip............
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ok guys I have information from Idaho fish and game that will answer most of your questions but I can't get it to copy over to this fourm so if you would like to see it send me a PM with your email and I will forward it to you that way
Tight lines
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I agree that fish and game is doing the right thing. Not being able to. Keep fish doesn't effect me that much as I am mostly a catch and release guy for steelhead. Just going to have to work harder to find them this season. I'll be fishing the grande ronde a bunch this year.
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If you are bumming on the B-run steelhead this year you may consider the amazing Fall salmon run going on. We dropped in on them last Wed. and had a great time. Yes, you can't keep them either, but it makes for a great day.
Here is the report...
[url "http://www.findfish.com/fish/fish-angler-comment.php?rpt=158"]http://www.findfish.com/fish/fish-angler-comment.php?rpt=158[/url]
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I fyou go back the last 4 years there have been significant smolt losses in the national steelhead hatchery at Orofino every year. That place is a wreck, and with the federal budget being even a bigger wreck, I see more problems in the future. Maybe it is time to privatize that operation, and get someone with money (ISSU, NSIA, or the IOGA) to take over and properly fund it.
Just a thought...
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That's not the first time I've heard that.
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