Found on Oregon Live Fishing Form

Dustin, I can't think of a guide named Steve who has been guiding the last quarter century. If I was that Steve I would not hestate to give my last name in standing up for what he believed. I agree with that post's stance that with such a low return of 'nooks this year in the Tillamook streams a chinook salmon closure, at least above Mills bridge, is a good idea at this point. However, I don't agree that the lack of action by the ODFW is due primarily to consideration of guides and tackle shops because there are already winter steelhead coming into the lower rivers and will be many more very soon. I think that ODFW & WDFW have always dragged their feet on doing the right thing for our fisheries for a number of reasons; only some worthy. I say close it for taking nooks above Mills bridge and allow taking a few late ones in good condition below Mills. Have at the plentiful steelhead this season.

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Know fish or no fish. - RT

[Boondoglin]

I could be wrong but I think " Steelhead Steve" is a guy named Steve Smith. It is more likely that the ODFW is in it to sell more tags and don't really care or think much about local merchants and guides. Remember this is the same State Agency that had employees using inside info to get controlled hunt tags while hard working tax payers like me and Toad have been aced out of our eastside elk tags for 2 straight years.

[garyk]

Fish-on & RT,

I concur with the post's general sentiments. I've felt that an emergency closure was called for this year. As the low returns of this year became more and more evident, we've backed off of fishing for Tillamook's survivors of '96.

I do not agree that ODFW hesitates to take action to 'keep businesses in the chips'. Rather, (see the ODFW budget post by Pete), they don't want to raise the ire of legislators in a budget-approval year.

Finally, the whole situation raises the question of creating more up-stream sanctuaries so the salmon can successfully spawn. Mills Bridge is a logical deadline on the Wilson, what about the other rivers?

[fish_on]

This was posted by someone called steelhead steve, this is what lots of portland non fishermen will be seeing. Too bad they have to hear such bull.

"In an attempt to keep local merchants and guides in the chips the ODF&W refuses to close North Coast Streams to the taking of Fall Chinook. Peak spawning has passed and most fish have NOT reached their normal spawning beds.Anglers are KILLING 100's of Dark (not fit to eat)Salmon a day from Coasal Streams.When they get home with their prizes they then learn that their eggs are singled out and of no use to most anglers. This years catch in Tillamook Bay was about 50% of the 5 year average.If you think fishing has been good the last five years you under 40 and don't know ____.If you thought this years was bad wait till next year.Most Tillalmook fish are 5 years old when they return.Remember the Winter Floods of 1996? Too Late the damage is DONE and so is the Fishing in 5 Years.OH did I mention I have been a full time Guide on the North Coast for the last 24 years ? Don't waste your time bothering me. Call ODF&W"