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Salmon and steelhead Band-Aids

Here we go again putting a Band-Aid over a sucking chest wound. Ask anyone who spends time on Washington and Idaho salmon and steelhead waters why the salmon and steelhead are declining and you will get a variation of answers. They will range from sea lions to dams to nets to birds to commercial fishing.

Now we want to get overly aggressive and reduce the bass and walleye? You want big runs again? You’re concerned about orcas and livelihoods and traditions? Fix those answer variations.

If a sea lion is in fresh water one inch past the 100-mile mark, dispatch them. Breach the dams. Work with the tribal members to reduce nets for periods of time. Drastically reduce the number of winged buggers that feast on smolt. Catch and release only instead of canceled seasons. Do not release smolt until they are larger than currently planned.

Do all these and we will have an overabundance of fish for all to rely on and enjoy.

Kelly M. Colliton

Spokane

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