The Drake Weighs In on Washington State Steelhead Woes

Good piece from The Drake, and an opportunity to take action on critical rule changes being proposed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Luke Kelly Photo

WHY THE STAUS QUO IN WASHINGTON STATE IS FAILING STEELHEADERS
WASHINGTON, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK—Most anglers will change anything and everything to feel the tug of a wild steelhead. After swinging through a few juicy runs without a grab, we'll vary our presentations. A few more unproductive runs will result in changed tips, new flies, or yes... even a bobber and bead. By the end of an unfruitful day, we might even wade waist-deep and bare-assed if we thought it would guarantee a hookup.

Yet when it comes to altering angling practices to conserve and rebuild wild steelhead populations, our community of anglers can be more reticent to discuss change. 

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