There are very few, if any streams in the state of WA that have salmon
returns, and also have a native trout fishery. Trout can't compete; they
are not the dominant species. If, as in Alaska, trout could coexist and
feed on salmon fry and salmon eggs would you enjoy the split shot and salmon
egg imitation pounced on the bottom to dry fly fishing on the surface?
There is little dry fly fishing in Alaska for rainbows. This spring was the
best rainbow fishing I have ever had on the Yakima. Not quite Montana, but
not nearly as big of crowds as most Montana rivers and a 40 fish day with a
number of fish over 16" is nothing to look down on. Quite ironically, the
bigger fish, and more of them, this season is probably due to the
introduction of salmon! The bigger rainbows have fed on salmon fry and
become larger than the norm. Look at the pics on Worley Buggers home page
for some impressive fish caught on the Yakima. Stop in Creekside Angler and
look through Jack Mitchell's album and see the humongous rainbows caught on
the Yakima. The young fry are the ones that won't be able to compete and it
will be the next generation of fish that will deminish until there is no
fishery. Will there be netting in this section above Rosa?? Will you enjoy
fishing the Yakima when a Cowlitz like crowd shows up? I, myself will move
on and find other waters, probably Montana. I just don't feel good,
personally, taking part in that whole fiasco. Jere
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Binder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2000 6:55 AM
Subject: Re: Yakima
> Obviously, the jury is still out on what the introduction of salmon in
> the Yak will mean in years to come. When I first heard of the plan, I
> immediately thought of the Alaska scenario that [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> mentioned and I had visions of plump egg-fed bows almost at my
> doorstep. Then I heard the argument about competition for food between
> the bows and the smolts. However, my real concern is what could happen
> above the water. Does anyone out there know if reintroduction of salmon
> into the Yak will eventually mean special fishing regulations, closures,
> limited access, etc. and mess up this excellent trout fishery?
> Appreciate your thoughts.
> Regards, Paul
>
